1. Introduction
【Child】: Professor, I can’t help but remember Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet when looking at the Boraras Merah fish. What can you tell me about this masterpiece of nature?
【Professor】: Ah, an interesting comparison! The Boraras Merah is indeed quite the enchanting species of fish. The purpose of this discussion is to explore their characteristics, habitat, husbandry requirements, behavior, breeding, and various cautions for keeping them. Come with me—I will guide you through the fascinating world of Boraras Merah.
2. Characteristics
【Child】: Much like the renowned red rose symbolism in Romeo and Juliet, Boraras Merah seems to have a passionate red hue. What other unique features do they have?
【Professor】: You’re quite observant! The Boraras Merah is indeed known for its vibrant red coloration. This petite fish typically grows to a size of 0.6 to 0.8 inches (15-20 mm). They display horizontal stripes in black, with the intensity of the color varying between individuals. Due to their small size and transparent appearance, they often remain unnoticed in their natural habitat, which makes them a delicate addition to any aquarium.
3. Habitat
【Child】: Are these colorful creatures like Van Gogh’s Starry Night, hidden in the streams of dense foliage or hiding amidst Monet’s Water Lilies? How do I recreate their habitat in an aquarium?
【Professor】: Beautifully put! In nature, Boraras Merah inhabit slow-moving, blackwater streams with dense vegetation and low light in countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia. To recreate a suitable habitat in an aquarium, you should include plenty of live plants and hiding places, such as driftwood and rocks, and use a dark substrate to mimic their natural environment. They play an essential role in the ecosystem as they feed on small insects and their larvae, which helps control pest populations.
4. Husbandry Requirements
【Child】: To provide my little Shakespearean aquatic troupe with a proper stage, what conditions do I need to maintain in the aquarium?
【Professor】: To ensure that your Boraras Merah thrive, it’s important to maintain a water temperature of 75-82°F (24-28°C) and a pH level of 4.0 to 7.0. Soft water with a hardness of 18 to 72 ppm is preferable. As for the tank size, a minimum of 5 gallons is recommended for these tiny swimmers. They are omnivores, so a diet of high-quality, small-sized pellets, flakes, and occasional live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and daphnia will satisfy their culinary needs.
5. Behavior
【Child】: Are they social creatures, like Chaucer’s pilgrims in The Canterbury Tales, or do they prefer solitude like Thoreau in Walden?
【Professor】: A delightful inquiry! Boraras Merah are indeed social creatures that thrive in groups of at least six individuals. Being shoaling fish, they swim together in a coordinated manner. They are mostly active during the day, with their tiny size and peaceful nature making them perfect inhabitants for a peaceful community aquarium. Their diet consists of tiny invertebrates found in their habitat, such as small insects and their larvae.
6. Breeding
【Child】: Should the love story of my Boraras Merah continue, like Dante’s ardent verses in the Divine Comedy, what conditions will prompt a successful breeding tale?
【Professor】: To inspire a poetic love story for your Boraras Merah, it’s essential to provide a separate breeding tank with gentle water flow, plenty of plants, and a small sponge filter. A rainstorm or water change with slightly cooler water often nudges them into spawning mode. The female will lay her eggs on plants or the substrate, after which the male will fertilize them. It’s crucial to remove the parents from the breeding tank shortly after spawning to prevent them from devouring their offspring.
7. Cautions
【Child】: What lessons should I learn from Aesop’s fables to ensure the peaceful coexistence of my Boraras Merah with their aquatic companions?
【Professor】: Wise words indeed! We should exercise caution when selecting tank mates for Boraras Merah. Due to their small size and timid nature, they are best kept with equally peaceful and small species such as Corydoras, Otocinclus, and other small rasboras. Avoid keeping them with large, aggressive, or predatory fish, as they may intimidate or even consume your precious Boraras Merah.
8. Conclusion
【Child】: Thank you, Professor, for unraveling the mysteries of the Boraras Merah, akin to Homer’s Odyssey. I shall cherish the knowledge you’ve bestowed upon me.
【Professor】: It has been my pleasure! Keep in mind the key aspects of maintaining a suitable habitat, providing proper nutrition, and choosing compatible tank mates. With these essential elements, the world of Boraras Merah will undoubtedly captivate your heart and transform your aquarium into a living work of art.