Kottelatia brittani
Kottelatia brittani was first described by Herbert R. Axelrod in 1976. This fish belongs to the family Danionidae, which is known for its diverse and colorful members. The family Danionidae consists of several genera, but the genus Kottelatia is monotypic, meaning it contains only one species: Kottelatia brittani.
The genus name “Kottelatia” is a tribute to the Swiss ichthyologist Maurice Kottelat, while the species name “brittani” is named after MR Brittan, who published a revision of the genus Rasbora in 1954.
Synonym: Rasbora brittani
Description
Appearance:
Kottelatia brittani has an elongated, laterally flattened body that reaches a maximum length of 5 centimeters. The head is pointed and the lower jaw has no symphyseal knob. The body is brass-colored with a darker back and a silvery belly. On the anterior part of the body a thin, silvery line is visible, and on the caudal peduncle, there is a black spot with a red spot above and below it. The fins are colorless and transparent, except for the first two to three rays of the dorsal fin, which are orange at the base.
Differences between males and females:
Adult females are usually slightly larger and have a fuller abdomen than males. No specific behavioral differences between the sexes have been reported.
Behavior and temperament:
Kottelatia brittani is a peaceful and social fish that is best kept in a school of at least 6-8 individuals. They are shy and prefer an environment with lots of hiding places and vegetation. They mainly swim in the midwaters of the aquarium.
Life expectancy:
In captivity they can live up to 5 years.
Biotope
Natural distribution:
Kottelatia brittani is native to Indonesia and the Malay Peninsula. They live mainly in quiet, wooded areas of rivers and streams.
Habitat:
Their natural habitat consists of clear water with lots of underwater vegetation and a bottom covered with leaves and branches. The edges of the water are often covered with trees, which provides shady and sheltered places.
Climate:
They live in a tropical climate with stable water conditions and little seasonal chang
Diet
In the wild:
In their natural habitat they feed on small invertebrates, insect larvae and plant material.
In the aquarium:
In the aquarium they can be fed a varied diet of dry food such as flakes and pellets, supplemented with small live or frozen foods such as artemia, tubifex worms and daphnia.
The Aquarium
Aquarium size:
An aquarium of at least 80 centimeters and 100 liters is suitable for keeping a school of Kottelatia brittani. For a large school, a larger aquarium is recommended.
Decoration:
The aquarium should be decorated with lots of plants, driftwood and rocks to create hiding places. A dark background and subdued lighting help to make their colors stand out better.
Water parameters:
Ideal water parameters are a pH of 5.0-7.0, a hardness of 2-10 dGH, and a temperature of 23-26°C.
Compatibility:
They can live well with other peaceful species such as other Rasboras, Barbs, Loaches, and small Gouramis.
Breeding aquarium and conditioning
Breeding:
Kottelatia brittani can be bred in a dedicated breeding tank with soft, acidic water and subdued lighting. The tank should contain plenty of vegetation or breeding mops on which to lay eggs. The fish should be conditioned with high-quality live or frozen foods before being introduced for breeding.
The spawn
Spawning:
During spawning, the fish’s colors become more intense. The eggs are scattered over vegetation and are sticky. Spawning usually takes place in the morning. No specific number of eggs is mentioned, but they are small and transparent.
Raising the fry
Rearing:
The eggs hatch after 24-48 hours, and the fry begin to swim freely after a few days. There is no parental care, and the fry should be fed with infusoria or special food for young fish.
Particularities
Special features:
Kottelatia brittani is a monotypic genus, meaning it is the only species in its genus. They are often confused with Pectenocypris korthausae, which has a similar color but is more slender
Conclusion
Kottelatia brittani is a peaceful and attractive fish that is well suited for a community aquarium. They are relatively easy to keep, provided they are kept in a well-equipped aquarium with stable water parameters. Their shy nature and preference for a school make them ideal for aquarists who want to create a peaceful and natural environment.
Author
John de Lange
Copyright images
Choy Heng Wah
