Mystacoleucus Obtusirostris

Datasheet

General Description

The Mystacoleucus Obtusirostris, commonly known as the Burmese Rainbow Barb, is occasionally referred to as Mystacoleucus marginatus and belongs to the Cyprinidae family. It possesses distinguishing features such as a convex distal margin on the anal fin, black margins on the dorsal and caudal fins, and most body scales with a black, crescent-shaped base. This species exhibits a procumbent predorsal spine that can become entangled in aquarium nets, shared with certain other genera like Tor, Spinibarbus, and Paraspinibarbus.

Aquarium Setup

For Mystacoleucus Obtusirostris, a tank setup resembling a flowing stream or river is ideal, with a substrate of sand, gravel, rocks, and even small boulders. Adding driftwood, roots, branches, and aquatic plants like Microsorum, Bolbitis, or Anubias can enhance the environment. Water cleanliness is crucial as the species is intolerant to organic pollutants, requiring spotless water to thrive. Weekly water changes of 30-50% of the aquarium volume are recommended to maintain optimal conditions.

Behaviour

This species tends to be non-aggressive but can perturb slow-moving or timid tankmates, particularly during feeding times. To keep the Burmese Rainbow Barb content, it is advisable to house it with robust, similarly-sized fish, especially cyprinids, loaches, and other riverine species. In the wild, Mystacoleucus Obtusirostris exists in schools, and hence, maintaining a group of six or more individuals is suggested for their well-being in captivity.

Feeding and Diet

Mystacoleucus Obtusirostris is likely a generalist omnivore, feeding on insects, crustaceans, worms, algae, and aquatic plants in nature. In aquariums, they readily accept various live and frozen foods such as bloodworms, Daphnia, and Artemia, along with high-quality dried flakes and granules. It is advisable to include foods containing plant material like Spirulina to help the fish attain its best colors and overall condition.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Reproduction of Mystacoleucus Obtusirostris in aquariums remains unrecorded, while in the wild, spawning typically occurs during the wet season from April to September. Sexually mature females are likely to exhibit a deeper body compared to males, although specific dimorphic traits in aquaria are less documented.

Habitat and Distribution

Predominantly found in riverine habitats with clear, oxygen-rich, flowing water and sandy or gravelly substrates, the Burmese Rainbow Barb also populates lakes and reservoirs due to human interference like damming. This species, widely distributed across Myanmar, China, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, and the Sunda Islands, including Borneo, Sumatra, and Java, thrives in major river systems like the Mekong, Chao Phraya, and Kapuas.