Neon Blue Rasbora - Sundadanio axelrodi : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Blue Neon Rasbora (Sundadanio axelrodi) is a stunningly vibrant species that can be a joy to watch in an aquarium setting. Despite their size, these fish are full of personality and make for an excellent addition to a peaceful community aquarium. However, they are not recommended for beginners due to their specific care requirements.
Characterized by their tranquil disposition, Blue Neon Rasboras are not inherently suited for communal settings, attributed to their diminutive stature and notably reserved temperament. Optimal husbandry entails solitary maintenance or cohabitation alongside congenial counterparts of comparable dimensions, all of which share analogous water preferences. This encompasses fellow micro Rasboras, Boraras, and Dwarf Barbs, fostering a harmonious coexistence reflective of harmonized environmental requisites.
In order to ensure the well-being and vitality of Blue Neon Rasboras, it is imperative to uphold their presence in aggregations numbering no less than six individuals, thereby facilitating the expression of their inherent shoaling tendencies. Diligent adherence to precise water parameters and environmental conditions is equally pivotal. These Rasboras exhibit a proclivity for habitats characterized by robust vegetation delineated by zones of unobstructed swimming expanse, all within the context of moderated illumination levels.
The Blue Neon Rasbora boasts a dark blue upper body that shimmers with iridescence, which gradually transitions to a fiery red mid-lower body. The rest of the body is transparent, which only further emphasizes the electric blue hue. The males exhibit a black anal fin that will darken when they are dominant, although it can look peculiar and might be mistaken for fish waste. There are several colour variations available, including neon copper, neon-blue, neon-green, and copper-clear. These variations add an extra layer of visual appeal to these already captivating fish.
Neon Blue Rasbora Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Blue Neon Rasboras is a straightforward process. Males possess more vibrant and extensive blue colouration on their flanks and exhibit slimmer bodies when compared to their female counterparts. Additionally, males possess dark pigmentation in their anal and ventral fins, while females have colourless anal fins.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Sundadanio axelrodi |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1976 |
| Other Names | Axelrods Rasbora |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Sundadanio |
| Origins | Indonesia |
| Max Size | 2 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 8+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg Depositor |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 3 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 5.0 - 7.0 |
| GH | 1 - 5 |
| ℉ | 73 - 79 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 22 - 26 |
Natural Habitat
The Blue Neon Rasbora is a small but captivating fish native to the lush, verdant forests of Indonesia. These fish thrive in blackwater habitats with soft, acidic water and a rich organic substrate. You can find them in the Greater Sunda Islands, Bangka Islands, and Riau Archipelago Islands of Sumatra and Borneo, as well as West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan and South Kalimantan provinces. They inhabit tranquil pools and streams where the water is stained with tannins and other natural compounds released by decaying organic matter, providing shelter and sustenance for these remarkable creatures.
Breeding
Regrettably, breeding the Blue Neon Rasbora in the home aquarium setting is notoriously challenging and has seen limited success. This is primarily due to the species sensitivity to unstable water conditions, which makes creating suitable separate spawning and rearing tanks a difficult task. However, some reports do exist of successful breeding, and it has been noted that keeping adult fish as a good-sized group in a heavily-planted, well-established aquarium is the best approach.
Stable water parameters are critical, with a relatively low pH being ideal. Simulating blackwater conditions with real peat fibre and leaves is also believed to be highly beneficial, as it encourages the growth of microorganisms that the fish require. Bright lighting should be avoided, and it is essential to provide the fish with plenty of live and frozen foods to induce spawning. If the aquarium maintains the necessary balance between water conditions, cover, and microfauna, the fry should begin to appear without any additional intervention.
Diet & Feeding
Blue Neon Rasboras may require some patience when it comes to feeding as they can be finicky at first and may not accept dried foods. However, with time and patience, they will learn to take them. For optimal colour and health, it is recommended to offer regular meals of small live or frozen foods such as daphnia, nauplii, artemia, and bloodworms.
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