Burmese Rammy Nose

About

The Burmese rummy nose (Sawbwa resplendens) is the sole member of its genus, a distinction that hints at just how unusual this little fish really is. Native exclusively to Inle Lake in Myanmar and the surrounding swampy margins, it lives in dense vegetation across a surprisingly wide range of water conditions, from clear to peaty and even fairly fouled water. Males carry a vivid color pattern that sets them apart from every other Asian cyprinid at a glance, while females are considerably plainer. Which unfortunately means exporters often ship males almost exclusively, making females difficult to track down. That sex ratio problem matters a great deal in the aquarium, because males are locked in near-constant dominance disputes. Keeping far more females than males, ideally four or more to each male, goes a long way toward reducing the friction. These fish are peaceful with other species but can get lost or outcompeted in a busy community, so tankmates should be similarly small and active. Though they naturally shoal in large groups, their social behavior in the aquarium is more loose aggregation than tight schooling. Given the male rivalry dynamics and the challenge of sourcing balanced groups, this species is best suited to someone with a bit of experience rather than a first-time keeper.