Burjor's Brilliance

About

Burjor's Brilliance (Laubuka dadiburjori) is a small cyprinid native to coastal streams and pools stretching from Tamil Nadu up to Goa along the western side of India. It goes by several trade names, orange chela and orange hatchetfish among them, but whatever the label, the fish is easy to identify by the dark bluish stripe running from the eye to the base of the tail, which often breaks into a series of two to five circular spots along its length. The lateral line is absent or barely developed, a useful identification detail that sets it apart from close relatives. Adults top out around an inch, so tank mates should be chosen with that small scale in mind. This is a genuinely peaceful species that asks very little of its keeper in terms of water conditions, making it a reasonable choice for someone earlier in the hobby. Like most schooling fish, it does best in groups of eight or more. Smaller numbers tend to produce nervous, washed-out fish, while a proper school brings out bolder behavior and a more natural look. Spawning happens without much encouragement in a mature, planted tank, and adventurous keepers can raise fry with a modest amount of effort. Taxonomically the species sits in interesting territory, with some researchers suggesting it may eventually be moved into its own genus.