Mosquito rasbora

Tiny fish in endangered environment 

The mosquito rasbora is a very small, beautiful red fish that lives in tropical freshwaters. Males have stronger red colours than females. The species lives in small, dark and acidic waters in tropical peat swamps – environments that can be almost as acidic as vinegar. The water in such environments is darkened by substances discharged from the peat – i.e. the wetland soil – around it. The water is warm, and quite stagnant. The environment in which the mosquito rasbora lives is threatened from many sides; rainforests that are being cleared and wetlands that are being drained in favour of the cultivation of rubber, palm oil and road construction. 

The males display their red colours 

The small fish thrives best in shoals, to feel safe. The males compete for the attention of the females by displaying their bright red colours. When it is time to breed, the female mosquito rasbora lays about 50 eggs, which develop into tiny fry after about two days. Because the mosquito rasbora is so small with a very small mouth – it must eat incredibly tiny plankton.