Emerald Eye Rasbora

Emerald Eye Rasbora

The Emerald Eye Rasbora (*Boraras maculatus*) is a small and vibrant freshwater fish known for its striking emerald-blue eyes and peaceful nature. This species is particularly appreciated in the aquarium hobby for its charming appearance and schooling behaviour, making it an excellent choice for community tanks.

Physical Characteristics:

• Size: Emerald Eye Rasboras typically grow to about 2.5-3 cm (1-1.2 inches) in length, making them a small but visually appealing addition to aquariums.
• Coloration: They are characterised by their translucent body adorned with iridescent scales that shimmer under light. Their most distinctive feature is their striking emerald-blue eyes, which stand out beautifully against their body.
• Fins: Their fins are small and delicate, contributing to their graceful swimming style. The dorsal fin is typically slightly elongated.
• Shape: The body is laterally compressed, which is typical for rasbora species, allowing for agile movement in the water.

Behavior:

• Temperament: Emerald Eye Rasboras are generally peaceful and can coexist with a variety of tankmates. They thrive in groups, so it is best to keep them in schools of six or more to promote their natural behaviour.
• Activity Level: These fish are moderately active swimmers, often seen schooling together and exploring their environment.
• Community Behavior: They can be housed in community tanks, but care should be taken to select peaceful tankmates. Providing plenty of swimming space and hiding spots will help reduce stress.

Aquarium Care:

• Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 40 liters (10 gallons) is recommended for a small group of Emerald Eye Rasboras, although larger tanks are preferable for better water stability.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: Emerald Eye Rasboras thrive in warm water, with an ideal temperature range of 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F).
  • pH: They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water, with a general hardness (GH) of 4-10 dGH, is ideal.
• Tank Setup:
  • Substrate and Decorations: A soft, sandy substrate is recommended. Emerald Eye Rasboras appreciate a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots, as live plants like Java fern, Anubias, and floating plants provide cover and mimic their natural habitat.
  • Lighting: Moderate lighting is ideal for showcasing their colours. Floating plants can help diffuse the light and create shaded areas.
  • Filtration: A gentle filtration system is recommended, as strong currents can stress rasboras. Regular water changes (about 20% weekly) are essential for maintaining a clean and healthy environment.

Diet:

Emerald Eye Rasboras are omnivorous and require a varied diet to thrive. Their diet should include:

• Pellets: High-quality flakes or micro-pellets designed for tropical fish should form the staple of their diet.
• Live or Frozen Foods: Offer live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms to provide essential protein and variety.
• Vegetable Matter: Including blanched vegetables, such as spinach or zucchini, can help ensure a balanced diet.

Tankmates:

Emerald Eye Rasboras can be housed with a variety of peaceful tankmates, including:

• Small Tetras: Such as Neon Tetras or Rummy Nose Tetras.
• Peaceful Rasboras: Like Harlequin Rasboras.
• Bottom-Dwellers: Corydoras catfish or other peaceful bottom-dwellers.

Avoid housing them with aggressive species or fin-nippers, as this can lead to stress or injury.

Breeding:

Breeding Emerald Eye Rasboras can be rewarding and relatively straightforward under the right conditions:

• Breeding Setup: A separate breeding tank with shallow water (about 10-15 cm or 4-6 inches) is ideal. The water should be warm (around 24°C to 26°C or 75°F to 78°F) and slightly acidic (pH 6.0-6.5).
• Spawning Behaviour: The male will court the female and guide her to the spawning site. After spawning, the adults should be removed to prevent them from eating the eggs.
• Fry Care: Once the fry are free-swimming, they can be fed infusoria or newly hatched brine shrimp.

Special Considerations:

• Water Quality: Regular monitoring and maintenance of water quality are crucial for the health of Emerald Eye Rasboras.
• Shy Nature: These fish can be shy, particularly in brightly lit tanks. Providing plenty of hiding spots can help them feel more secure.