Red dwarf rasbora facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Red dwarf rasbora |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Microrasbora
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| Species: |
rubescens
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The Red dwarf rasbora (Microrasbora rubescens) is a tiny, colorful fish. It lives only in Lake Inle in Myanmar, a country in Southeast Asia. This fish is part of the Microrasbora family, which includes other small fish.
What Does It Look Like?
The Red dwarf rasbora is a very small fish. It grows up to about 3.0 centimeters (just over an inch) long. Males are usually brighter and more colorful than females. Females are a bit larger and have a deeper body shape. This fish has two fins on its back (dorsal fin) and one fin on its belly (anal fin). The dorsal fin has 2 strong rays and 6-7 soft rays. The anal fin has 3 strong rays and 10-12 soft rays.
Where Does It Live?
The Red dwarf rasbora lives only in Lake Inle. This lake is high up in the mountains, about 900 meters (almost 3,000 feet) above sea level. The area around the lake has special rock formations called karst. In the lake, these fish swim in the middle of the water. They also like to stay near the edges where there are lots of plants underwater. They often swim together in large groups called schools.
Why Is It Important to Protect Them?
The Red dwarf rasbora is facing some challenges that threaten its future.
- Being Caught for Pets: People sometimes catch these fish to sell them for aquariums. This can reduce the number of fish in the lake.
- New Fish in the Lake: Other types of fish, like Parambassis and Tilapia, have been brought into Lake Inle. These new fish can eat the Red dwarf rasbora or compete with them for food.
- Pollution: The lake is getting polluted from different sources. People living around the lake and farms nearby can cause pollution. This dirt and waste can harm the fish and their home.
- Water Hyacinth: An invasive plant called water hyacinth has spread across large parts of the lake. This plant covers the water, reducing the open areas where the fish can live.
- Less Water: Taking too much water out of the lake and dirt washing into it also make it harder for the fish to survive.
