Black Harlequin
Black Harlequin, Rasbora Black Diamant or Rasbora Black Harlequin naturally inhabits water bodies in Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, and Thailand. The fish keep in shallow channels running through peat bogs with a higher concentration of humic acids.
The Black Harlequin is a very beautiful fish. Its rear body is black and its front body has a golden-copper tint. The pectoral and anal fins are transparent. Caudal and dorsal fins with a copper sheen. Males usually have a large black spot between the caudal and pectoral fins. Females have a more rounded abdomen. The maximum size of the fish is 5 cm.
Black Harlequin Rasboras are very active and peaceful fish. They lead a gregarious lifestyle, so they need to contain a group of at least 8-10 individuals. With fewer fish become timid and demonstrate unnatural behavior. When contained in a common aquarium neighbors Rasboram black harlequins may be barbs, Rasbor, danio, tetras, guppies, discus and maze fish. They are ideal aquarium neighbors for almost all species that are not too aggressive and do not eat smaller fish.
An aquarium of 80 liters and more. The perimeter of the aquarium should be planted broad-leaved plants. The soil in the form of fine gravel, poured a layer of at least 2 cm. At the bottom can be placed large stones.
Water parameters: temperature 22-27º C, hardness dH 0-12º, pH 6,0-7,5. Requires filtration, aeration and a weekly change of ¼ of the aquarium water with fresh.
Rasboras Black Diamant are omnivores. In aquarium conditions they are offered a mixed diet consisting of spirulina and bloodworms, nauplii Artemia and insect larvae. Fish are also fed flake food containing spirulina. The food is given 1-2 times a day.
Reproduction
Black Harlequin reaches sexual maturity at the age of 9-12 months.
For breeding fish need spawning capacity of about 20 liters with a water level of about 15 cm. In it settle a pair of producers (a young female age about a year and 2-year-old male). Pisces begin to abundantly feed live food.
Female lays eggs on the underside of plant leaves. Immediately after spawning, producers are removed, and the spawning aquarium darkened. The eggs are incubated for 24 hours. hatched fry are fed with infusoria and after 10-15 days begin to give nauplii Artemia. The food is given 4 times a day.
Life expectancy Black Harlequin in an aquarium environment is 5-8 years.
