Live fish will be delivered only to selected pincodes in Kolkata and nearby areas. Here's a complete guide to the Least Rasbora – one of the tiniest and most delicate freshwater...
Live fish will be delivered only to selected pincodes in Kolkata and nearby areas.
Here's a complete guide to the Least Rasbora – one of the tiniest and most delicate freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby.
Scientific Name: Boraras urophthalmoides
Common Names: Least Rasbora, Exclamation Point Rasbora
Family: Cyprinidae
Origin: Southeast Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, Laos)
Natural Habitat: Shallow, slow-moving forest streams, marshes, and rice paddies—often blackwater environments with leaf litter and tannins.
Size: ~0.6–0.8 inches (1.5–2 cm) — one of the smallest aquarium fish!
Coloration:
Translucent to golden body
Black dot at the base of the tail resembling an exclamation mark
May develop a reddish tint on body and fins when healthy and well-fed
Sexual Dimorphism:
Males: Slightly more colorful and slimmer
Females: Rounder bellies when gravid
Temperament: Peaceful, shy, and non-aggressive
Schooling Fish: Absolutely — should be kept in groups of 10+
Tank Level: Mostly mid to upper levels
Behavior: Timid and easily intimidated; thrives in quiet tanks with peaceful tankmates
Requirement | Details |
---|---|
Tank Size | Minimum 5 gallons (10+ preferred for stable conditions) |
Water Type | Freshwater |
Temperature | 72–82°F (22–28°C) |
pH Level | 5.0–7.0 (slightly acidic ideal) |
Hardness | Soft water (1–8 dGH) |
Filtration | Gentle flow only |
Lighting | Low to moderate; dim light preferred |
Aquascape | Heavily planted with floating plants, leaf litter, dark substrate |
Cover | Lid recommended — they’re tiny and can jump |
Type: Micro-predator
Preferred Foods:
Live: baby brine shrimp, daphnia, microworms
Frozen: cyclops, copepods
High-quality micro pellets, crushed flakes
Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily in very small amounts
Spawning Type: Egg scatterer
Breeding Behavior:
Spawns frequently in mature tanks
No parental care — eggs are at risk of being eaten
Breeding Setup:
Use dense plants or moss for egg laying
Provide soft, acidic water
Fry Care:
Feed infusoria or liquid fry food initially
Move to microworms or baby brine shrimp as they grow
Keep in large groups for confidence and natural behavior
Use tannin-rich water for best color and health
Avoid strong currents
Target-feed in community tanks to ensure they get enough food
Least Rasboras are perfect for nano or species-only tanks. They can live with:
Other micro rasboras (Boraras brigittae, B. merah)
Pygmy corydoras
Small shrimp (like Neocaridina or Caridina)
Otocinclus
Peaceful snails (Nerite, Ramshorn)
Avoid:
Anything larger or aggressive
Fast feeders that outcompete them for food
Boisterous tankmates (even if peaceful)
Starvation: Easily outcompeted in community tanks
Stress: From low numbers, bright light, or fast-flowing water
Water quality: Sensitive to poor parameters or sudden changes
The Least Rasbora is a stunning nano fish that's ideal for calm, heavily planted tanks. Its small size, peaceful nature, and subtle beauty make it a top choice for aquascapers and nano tank enthusiasts. While delicate, it's rewarding to keep in the right conditions.
Would you like help designing a nano aquascape for Boraras urophthalmoides or a care sheet PDF?
Little Mermaid uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.
Someone recently boughtfromKolkata40 minutes ago
Someone recently boughtfromChennai33 minutes ago
Someone recently boughtfromKolkata20 minutes ago
Someone recently boughtfromMumbai30 minutes ago
Someone recently boughtfromKolkata30 minutes ago
Someone recently boughtfromKolkata45 minutes ago
Someone recently boughtfromKolkata1 hour ago
Someone recently boughtfromDelhi2 hours ago
Someone recently boughtfromNagpur10 minutes ago