Oreichthys Sp. 'Myanmar Redfin'

Datasheet

General Description

The Oreichthys Sp. 'Myanmar Redfin' is a small fish commonly confused with other similar species due to mislabeling in the trade. It can be identified by the absence of a dark marking in the dorsal fin of adult males and a distinct black blotch on the caudal peduncle. The genus Oreichthys shows potential for new species discovery, with several undescribed forms from Myanmar, India, Thailand, and Laos. These fish have a small size, reaching up to 4.0cm in length, a stout compressed body, and lack barbels.

Aquarium Setup

To house Oreichthys Sp. 'Myanmar Redfin' in a home aquarium, a tank of at least 60 litres is recommended. A well-decorated setup with aquatic plants, woody structures, and floating plants to diffuse light is ideal. The addition of dried leaf litter can create a natural environment. Gentle filtration and soft substrate are preferable due to the fish's sensory bristles on the lower jaw. Water conditions should include a hardness of 36-215 ppm, pH ranging from 6.5-7.5, and a temperature between 24-28°C (75-82°F).

Behaviour

Oreichthys Sp. 'Myanmar Redfin' is gregarious but displays shoaling behavior rather than schooling. They establish a pecking order within the group, and rivalry among males can lead to sparring. Maintaining them in a group of eight or more is best, with the tank set up to provide broken lines of sight to prevent bullying among subdominant individuals. They may be intimidated or outcompeted for food by larger or more aggressive tankmates, so suitable companions include small, peaceful cyprinids like Trigonostigma and Boraras species.

Feeding and Diet

Although Oreichthys Sp. 'Myanmar Redfin' will accept dried foods, a varied diet is crucial for optimal health. Offering small live and frozen foods like Daphnia and Artemia will enhance their coloration and induce breeding behavior. They are known to be shy feeders, so providing a diverse diet is important for their overall well-being.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Information on the reproduction of Oreichthys Sp. 'Myanmar Redfin' is currently unrecorded. Males of this species grow slightly larger than females, exhibit stronger coloration on their bodies and fins, and develop an extended, yellowish dorsal fin that may turn orange in dominant specimens. These differences in coloration and fin structure can help in distinguishing between male and female individuals.

Habitat and Distribution

Native to parts of the Irrawaddy River basin in northern Myanmar, Oreichthys Sp. 'Myanmar Redfin' likely inhabits slow-moving sections of tributaries and minor rivers with dense vegetation and clear water. They are suited to environments with overhanging vegetation and prefer calm waters. This species is believed to have been collected from specific streams near the village of Yuzana Myaing, highlighting its restricted distribution within the region.