Dwarf Emerald Rasbora

Celestichthys erythromicron

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Cypriniformes›Cyprinidae

📍 Lake Inle, Myanmar

Tiny striped fish from Lake Inle with blue-green bars and red fins. Shy but stunning in a dedicated nano tank. Prefers cooler temperatures.

Size1"

Min Tank10g

School8+

peaceful

Zonemid

Care Guide

Diet

Dwarf Emerald Rasboras are omnivores requiring a varied diet of high-quality micro pellets, crushed flakes, and small frozen foods like brine shrimp and daphnia. Feed small portions once daily, offering only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes. Supplement occasionally with blanched vegetables like spinach to support overall health.

Behavior

These tiny, shy fish are most confident in groups of 8 or more, displaying schooling behavior and vibrant coloration when comfortable. They prefer dim lighting and densely planted tanks where they can retreat, spending most time in mid-water zones. They are peaceful and non-aggressive but may be stressed by boisterous tank mates or sudden movements.

Breeding

Breeding Dwarf Emerald Rasboras in captivity is difficult and rarely achieved in home aquariums. They require very specific conditions including soft, acidic water (pH 5.5-6.5), dense vegetation for egg scattering, and stable temperatures around 24°C. Fry are extremely small and require infusoria or liquid fry food for the first weeks.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Peaceful bottom-dweller with identical water parameter preferences and non-competitive feeding habits

excellent

Pygmy Corydoras

Small, gentle catfish that occupy different water zones and share preference for cooler, soft water

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Peaceful invertebrate that thrives in similar conditions; ensure adequate plant cover to prevent predation of shrimplets

good

Neon Tetra

Similar size and temperament with overlapping water requirements, though slightly larger and more robust

good

Least Killifish

Tiny, peaceful fish with comparable size and preference for planted, calm environments

good

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects

Treatment

Gradually raise water temperature to 28-29°C over 24 hours, maintain for 7-10 days. Use aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment. Perform daily 25% water changes.

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin bases, lethargy

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes. Use antibacterial medication (e.g., tetracycline) and ensure water temperature stays within 20-25°C range. Remove any sharp decorations.

Bacterial Infection

Symptoms

Cloudy eyes, open sores, loss of appetite, color fading, torn fins

Treatment

Perform 50% water change immediately and daily thereafter. Use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication and maintain pristine water conditions. Isolate severely affected individuals if possible.

Stress-Related Illness

Symptoms

Faded coloration, hiding constantly, loss of appetite, erratic swimming

Treatment

Increase plant density and hiding spots. Reduce tank disturbances and maintain stable water parameters. Ensure minimum school size of 8 individuals. Avoid aggressive or large tank mates.