Phoenix Rasbora (Boraras merah) Care Guide

A tiny jewel of a fish from Borneo's blackwater streams with a deep red body marked by a bold dark lateral stripe and spot. Males develop intense crimson coloration when in breeding condition.

Overview

Boraras merah is a species in the family Cyprinidae. A tiny jewel of a fish from Borneo's blackwater streams with a deep red body marked by a bold dark lateral stripe and spot. Males develop intense crimson coloration when in breeding condition. Excellent for nano planted tanks, it does best in large schools in soft, tannin-stained water with leaf litter.

Taxonomy

Family: Cyprinidae
Genus: Boraras
Scientific name: Boraras merah
Other names: Merah Rasbora, Boraras merah
Origin: Southeast Asia

Habitat

Endemic to peat swamps of southern Borneo, Indonesia. Inhabits very soft, acidic, tannin-stained blackwater shaded by forest canopy. A tiny shoaling Boraras species with red body markings; sensitive to water quality and best kept in dedicated soft-water setups.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 20 L
Temperature: 22-27 °C
pH: 4-6.5
GH: 1-6 °dGH
Water flow: low
Adult size: 1.5-2 cm
Lifespan: 2-4 years
Recommended group size: ≥ 10
Difficulty: beginner

Diet

Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Swimming level: middle
Compatible tank mates: Chili Rasbora, Exclamation Point Rasbora, Pygmy Corydoras, Cherry Shrimp, Otocinclus
Avoid with: Any fish large enough to eat them, Aggressive species

Breeding

Breeding strategy: egg-scatterer
Breeding difficulty: intermediate