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…
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
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
Pygmy Spotted Rasbora (Boraras maculatus) Breeding Guide
Overview
Boraras maculatus is an egg-scattering, continuous spawner that exhibits zero parental care, laying small egg batches daily when conditions are favourable. In a well-established aquarium fry may appear without intervention, while a small spawning container is used to raise higher numbers.
Sexing
Mature females are noticeably rounder-bodied and often a little larger than males. Males display more vibrant coloration, with dominant individuals showing the most intense hues.
Conditioning
Condition adults well and introduce two to three conditioned pairs per container, transferring them slowly to minimise stress. Spawning typically begins the following morning when the fish are settled.
Breeding Setup
Use a separate 10-15 litre container with very dim lighting and a bare base or mesh that allows eggs to fall through but prevents adult access; plastic grass-type matting works well. Add a decent clump of java moss or other fine-leaved plant filling about half the space, plus an optional small air-powered sponge filter. Spawning water is pH 5.0-6.5, hardness 1-5 °H, and temperature toward the upper range (about 26-28 °C).
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Small egg batches are laid daily among the moss and plants when conditions are favourable. The pair or pairs should be left in situ for no more than a couple of days before being removed, to limit egg predation.
Egg & Fry Care
Eggs hatch by day two, and the fry then survive on their yolk sacs for about 24 hours. Their first food must be very small, such as Paramecium or other microscopic organisms; after 7-10 days they can take Artemia (brine shrimp) nauplii and microworms. Delay water changes for the first one to two weeks to avoid shocking the young fish.
Common Challenges
Providing first foods small enough for the minute fry and avoiding early water changes are the main hurdles, as with the other Boraras species. A bare base or mesh, plus prompt removal of adults, reduces egg losses.