Pygmy Spotted Rasbora (Boraras maculatus) Care Guide

A popular nano fish from the peat swamps of Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra. It has an orange-red body adorned with three distinctive dark spots — one near the gill, one mid-body, and one at the cauda…

Overview

Boraras maculatus is a species in the family Cyprinidae. A popular nano fish from the peat swamps of Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra. It has an orange-red body adorned with three distinctive dark spots — one near the gill, one mid-body, and one at the caudal peduncle. Hardy for its size and an excellent choice for beginners exploring the nano fishkeeping hobby.

Taxonomy

Family: Cyprinidae
Genus: Boraras
Scientific name: Boraras maculatus
Other names: Dwarf Rasbora, Spotted Rasbora, Boraras maculatus
Origin: Southeast Asia

Habitat

Native to the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo. Inhabits soft, acidic forest streams and peat swamps with dense vegetation. One of the smallest commonly traded cyprinids; a peaceful shoaling species of the genus Boraras marked with dark lateral spots.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 20 L
Temperature: 23-28 °C
pH: 4-6.5
GH: 1-6 °dGH
Water flow: low
Adult size: 2-2.5 cm
Lifespan: 3-5 years
Recommended group size: ≥ 8
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, Phoenix Rasbora, Ember Tetra, Cherry Shrimp, Otocinclus
Avoid with: Any fish large enough to eat them, Aggressive species

Breeding

Breeding strategy: egg-scatterer
Breeding difficulty: intermediate