Strawberry Rasbora Care Guide
Boraras naevus is a tiny raspberry-pink micro-rasbora endemic to peninsular Thailand, suited to soft, acidic nano aquariums in large groups.
Overview
Boraras naevus, the strawberry rasbora, is a tiny micro-rasbora with a raspberry-pink body and a single small dark blotch on each flank. It is one of the smallest aquarium fish and is a strict shoaling species best displayed in large groups.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cyprinidae
- Genus: Boraras
- Scientific name: Boraras naevus
- Order: Cypriniformes
Habitat
The species is known only from southern (peninsular) Thailand, in the lower Tapi river drainage, with the type locality a swamp north of Surat Thani. It inhabits shallow, clear swamps and marshes with dense submerged vegetation; many natural habitats have been converted to paddy fields.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 30 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 5.0-6.8
- GH: 1-6 °dGH
- School size: 8-10 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
Diet
Boraras naevus is a micropredator that feeds on small insects, worms and crustaceans. In captivity it accepts small dried foods but is best fed daily portions of live or frozen Daphnia and Artemia for condition and colour.
Compatibility
Peaceful but timid, this middle-water fish is unsuited to typical boisterous community tanks. Suitable companions are other small Boraras and sparkling gourami; larger fish should be avoided.
Breeding
It is a continuous egg-scatterer with no parental care. Eggs hatch in about two days, and fry require microscopic foods initially before progressing to Artemia nauplii after about a week.