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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.


🐟 Least Rasbora Overview

  • 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.


📏 Physical Characteristics

  • 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


🧬 Behavior and Temperament

  • 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


🐠 Tank Requirements

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

🍽️ Diet

  • 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


🐣 Breeding

  • 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


Tips for Success

  • 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


🤝 Compatibility

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)


⚠️ Common Issues

  • 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


🎯 Summary

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?

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