Quick Care Details (Table)
| Livestock Characteristics | Value |
|---|---|
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Maximum Size | .75 Inches |
| Minimum Tank Size | 5 Gallons |
| Plant Safe | Yes |
| Temperature Range | 68-82F |
| PH Range | 5.0-7.0 |
| KH Range | 2-10 |
Species Specific Categories
Helpful Video
Care Details
Aquascape: The Phoenix Rasbora thrives in a densely planted aquarium, which resembles its natural habitat. Use fine-leaved plants and floating vegetation to provide hiding spots and diffuse lighting.
Substrate: A dark-colored substrate complements the vibrant colors of the Phoenix Rasbora and mimics its natural environment. Opt for sand or small-grain gravel.
Disease Prevention: Maintain good water quality and quarantine new additions to prevent diseases. Regular water changes and proper filtration are key to their health.
Filtration: Moderate to high filtration is essential, but be mindful of strong currents as the Phoenix Rasbora prefers calmer waters.
Lighting: Moderate lighting is adequate for their tank. Ensure a natural day-night cycle to support their well-being.
Water Flow: A gentle water flow mimics their natural habitat, so choose filters and settings that provide moderate circulation.
Hardiness: Phoenix Rasboras are hardy fish, but they're sensitive to sudden water parameter changes. Keep water conditions stable to ensure their well-being.
Acclimation: Proper acclimation is crucial. Gradually adjust water temperature and parameters to reduce stress when introducing them to your tank.
Expected Lifespan: Under suitable conditions, Phoenix Rasboras can live for up to 4-6 years in captivity.
Special Requirements: They appreciate a well-planted tank with shaded areas and open swimming spaces. Keep them in small groups for comfort and display their vibrant colors best when provided with a dark substrate.
document.getElementById("care-details-next-tab").addEventListener("click", function() {
document.getElementById("temperament-tab").click();
});
Temperament and Behavior
Behavior: Phoenix Rasboras are peaceful and social fish. They tend to stay in the middle and upper levels of the tank, and they're active swimmers, especially in the presence of conspecifics. They have a calm temperament and make an excellent addition to a community aquarium.
Breeding: Breeding Phoenix Rasboras can be challenging due to their specific requirements. They are egg layers, and breeding involves providing a separate breeding tank with soft, acidic water, fine-leaved plants, and low lighting. Once successful, the parents should be removed as they might consume their own eggs.
Aggression: Phoenix Rasboras are not aggressive and are well-suited for community tanks. They're more focused on displaying their vibrant colors and exploring their environment rather than engaging in aggressive behavior.
Tankmates Compatibility: These rasboras are peaceful and get along well with other non-aggressive species of similar size. Suitable tankmates include other rasboras, small tetras, peaceful gouramis, and small bottom-dwelling fish like Corydoras.
Activity Level: Phoenix Rasboras are active swimmers, and their vibrant colors become more pronounced when they swim in schools. They enjoy exploring the tank and are often seen darting in and out of plants.
Schooling or Shoaling Behavior: Phoenix Rasboras have a strong schooling instinct, and it's recommended to keep them in groups of at least six individuals. In larger schools, they exhibit more vibrant colors and feel more secure.
Plant Compatibility: Phoenix Rasboras are generally compatible with live plants. In fact, a well-planted tank replicates their natural habitat and provides them with hiding spots and security.
document.getElementById("temperament-next-tab").addEventListener("click", function() {
document.getElementById("diet-tab").click();
});
document.getElementById("temperament-previous-tab").addEventListener("click", function() {
document.getElementById("care-details-tab").click();
});
Diet and Nutrition
Dry Foods: Phoenix Rasboras readily accept high-quality dry foods like micro-pellets and flakes. These can make up a significant portion of their diet and are convenient for feeding.
Frozen Foods: Offering frozen foods like daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms is an excellent way to add variety and ensure your Phoenix Rasboras receive essential nutrients. They relish the novelty and nutritional value of frozen treats.
Live Foods: Live foods such as small insects, daphnia, and baby brine shrimp are highly appreciated by Phoenix Rasboras. They mimic their natural diet and can be used to entice finicky eaters or condition them for breeding.
Vegetables: While Phoenix Rasboras are primarily carnivorous, you can occasionally offer blanched and finely chopped vegetables like spinach or zucchini. This provides some fiber and can be a welcome change.
Algae: Phoenix Rasboras are not known to graze on algae as some other species do. Therefore, their diet should primarily consist of animal-based foods.
Feeding Schedule: Feed your Phoenix Rasboras small portions 2-3 times a day. This mimics their natural feeding patterns and helps prevent overfeeding, which can lead to water quality issues.
Supplemental Foods: To ensure their health and vibrant colors, consider occasional supplements with high-quality, vitamin-rich foods. Supplements can help enhance their overall well-being.
document.getElementById("diet-previous-tab").addEventListener("click", function() {
document.getElementById("temperament-tab").click();
});
document.getElementById("diet-next-tab").addEventListener("click", function() {
document.getElementById("tank-parameters-tab").click();
});
Tank Parameters
Tank Size: Phoenix Rasboras are small fish, so they can thrive in aquariums with a capacity of 10 gallons (38 liters) or more. A larger tank allows for better swimming space and a more stable environment.
Tank Length and Measurements: For their comfort, choose a tank with dimensions that suit their natural behavior. A 20-gallon long tank (76 liters) measuring approximately 30 inches (76 cm) in length provides ample swimming space and accommodates their social nature.
Water Temperature: Maintain the water temperature between 72-82°F (22-28°C). This range mimics their native habitat and ensures their well-being.
pH (Acidity/Alkalinity): Phoenix Rasboras prefer slightly acidic to neutral water conditions. Aim for a pH level of 6.5 to 7.0 to create an environment that resembles their native streams in Southeast Asia.
KH (Carbonate Hardness) and GH (General Hardness): Keep the KH and GH values in the soft to moderately hard range. Aim for KH levels of 2-6 dKH and GH levels of 4-8 dGH. These conditions mirror the Rasboras' natural habitat.
Hardiness: Phoenix Rasboras are generally hardy, but they do best in stable water conditions. Sudden fluctuations in water parameters can stress them, so maintain consistent water quality.
Nitrate (NO3) Levels: Keep nitrate levels below 20 ppm. Regular water changes, efficient filtration, and careful maintenance will help maintain low nitrate levels, ensuring the health of your Phoenix Rasboras.
document.getElementById("tank-parameters-previous-tab").addEventListener("click", function() {
document.getElementById("diet-tab").click();
});
History, Popularity, History and Species Variety Details
The History, Popularity and Natural Habitat
History: The Phoenix Rasbora, scientifically known as Boraras merah, is native to the freshwater ecosystems of Southeast Asia, specifically Indonesia and Malaysia. These regions are characterized by slow-moving streams, peat swamp forests, and swampy areas. In their native habitats, Phoenix Rasboras thrive in tannin-stained waters with soft and acidic conditions. Their vibrant red and gold coloration has made them a prized species in the aquarium hobby.
Popularity: Over the years, the Phoenix Rasbora has gained significant popularity among aquarium enthusiasts. Their striking coloration and peaceful nature make them a sought-after choice for both beginners and experienced hobbyists. Due to their manageable size, they are often included in community tanks and nano aquariums. The availability of Phoenix Rasboras has increased as they are now bred in captivity, making them more accessible to aquarists around the world.
Natural Habitat: Phoenix Rasboras are well-suited to the blackwater environments of their native regions. In these areas, the water is tinted brown due to the presence of tannins from decaying plant matter. The water is typically soft, with low mineral content, and slightly acidic. Aquatic plants, including floating varieties, are abundant, providing shelter and shade for the fish. Fallen leaves in the water contribute to the unique water chemistry and aesthetics of their habitat. In the wild, Phoenix Rasboras are known for their peaceful and schooling behavior, often seeking refuge among submerged structures and dense aquatic vegetation.
Understanding their natural habitat is essential for recreating suitable tank conditions, including maintaining water quality, water chemistry, and providing ample plant cover, to ensure the well-being and vibrancy of these captivating fish in an aquarium setting.
Back to topVariations of the Phoenix Rasboras
- Phoenix Rasbora (Boraras merah): Known for its striking red and silver coloration, the Phoenix Rasbora is a beautiful and captivating species that adds a vibrant touch to your aquarium.
- Chili Rasbora (Boraras brigittae): These tiny, fiery-red fish are known for their small size and intense coloration, making them a delightful addition to nano aquariums.
- Dwarf Rasbora (Boraras maculatus): The Dwarf Rasbora is another small species with subtle yet stunning coloration, and they are known for their peaceful nature and ease of care.
- Exclamation Point Rasbora (Boraras urophthalmoides): These Rasboras are named for the exclamation point-shaped mark on their bodies. They offer a unique look and the same peaceful nature as other Boraras species.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I encourage breeding in Phoenix Rasboras?
Provide them with plenty of plant cover and a varied diet. When they are well-fed and comfortable, they may start breeding. Be prepared to provide a separate breeding tank for the fry.
Do Phoenix Rasboras have any special lighting requirements?
They don't have specific lighting requirements, but moderate to low lighting is recommended to mimic their natural habitat and reduce stress.
Are Phoenix Rasboras suitable for beginners?
Yes, they are relatively easy to care for and make a great choice for beginners interested in keeping freshwater aquarium fish.
How do I maintain water quality for Phoenix Rasboras?
Regular water changes, a good filtration system, and monitoring water parameters for temperature, pH, KH, GH, and nitrate levels are essential for maintaining water quality.
Can Phoenix Rasboras coexist with other peaceful community fish?
Yes, they are peaceful and can coexist with other small, non-aggressive community fish. Avoid housing them with larger or aggressive species that may intimidate them.
Do Phoenix Rasboras require live plants in their tank?
While they don't require live plants, they appreciate densely planted areas. Live plants provide hiding spots, mimic their natural habitat, and improve water quality.
What is the ideal water temperature for Phoenix Rasboras?
Maintain the water temperature between 72-82°F (22-28°C). This range mimics their natural habitat in Southeast Asia.
How many Phoenix Rasboras should I keep in a school?
It's best to keep them in groups of at least six or more. They feel most secure and exhibit their natural shoaling behavior in larger numbers.
What should I feed my Phoenix Rasboras?
Phoenix Rasboras are omnivorous and thrive on a diet of high-quality flake food, micro-pellets, freeze-dried or frozen foods like daphnia and brine shrimp, and occasional live foods. Variety is essential for their health and coloration.
What is the ideal tank size for Phoenix Rasboras?
A 10-gallon tank is suitable for a small group of Phoenix Rasboras. However, larger tanks, like a 20-gallon long aquarium, provide more space and a more stable environment.
