Mosquito Rasbora,Boraras brigittae

This rasbora inhabits black water streams and pools associated with ancient forest peat swamps. The water is stained brown due to the release of tannins and other chemicals released by decomposing organic matter and the substrate scattered with fallen leaves, twigs and branches. Such environments characteristically contain very soft (negligible hardness), acidic (pH as low as 4.0) water and are often dimly-lit due to dense marginal vegetation and the forest canopy above. Across much of Southeast Asia these precious biotopes are under threat from rubber or palm oil plantations, building developments and other human activities.