Strawberry Rasbora Overview

• Scientific Name: Boraras naevus

• Common Names: Strawberry Rasbora, Strawberry Dwarf Rasbora

• Family: Cyprinidae

• Origin: Southern Thailand (Trang & Satun provinces)

• Habitat: Slow-moving forest streams, shallow peat swamps with dense vegetation, soft sandy bottoms, and leaf litter.

• Size: Around 1.5–2 cm (very small nano fish)

• Lifespan: 4–6 years with good care

🌊 Appearance

• Small, slender body with a pinkish to reddish hue, resembling the color of a strawberry.

• Iridescent scales with tiny darker spots or blotches.

• Transparent fins with light red or orange tinge.

• Color intensifies in males and during breeding.

💧 Water Parameters

They thrive best in tannin-rich, soft, acidic water like their natural peat swamp habitat.

🏠 Tank Setup

• Tank Size: Minimum 20 liters (5 gallons) for a group.

• Substrate: Dark sand or fine gravel.

• Decoration: Driftwood, leaf litter, live plants (Java Moss, Cryptocoryne, Anubias, floating plants).

• Lighting: Low to moderate (brings out colors).

• Filtration: Gentle sponge filter to avoid strong currents.

• Aquascaping Tip: Dense plants + shaded areas mimic their natural environment.

Behavior & Temperament

• Peaceful and shy; ideal for nano & community tanks with similarly small, non-aggressive fish.

• Best kept in schools of at least 8–10 for confidence and natural behavior.

• Mid to upper water swimmer.

🍽️ Diet

• Type: Micro-predator (feeds on tiny zooplankton & insect larvae in the wild).

• In Captivity:

  • Live/frozen: Baby brine shrimp, daphnia, microworms

  • High-quality micro pellets

  • Crushed flakes

  • Cyclops, grindal worms

• Feed small portions 2–3 times daily.

💌 Breeding

• Type: Egg scatterer, no parental care.

• Breeding Tank: Separate tank with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops.

• Conditioning: High-quality live food to trigger spawning.

• Process:

  • Male chases female; eggs are scattered among plants.

  • Adults should be removed after spawning to prevent egg predation.

  • Eggs hatch in 24–48 hours; fry are free-swimming in 3–4 days.

• Fry Food: Infusoria initially, then microworms and baby brine shrimp.

✅ Care Tips

• Keep in a calm, stable environment—avoid large aggressive tankmates.

• Perform small, regular water changes (20–30% weekly).

• Use Indian almond leaves for tannins and health benefits.

• Provide a tight lid; they can jump.

🌟 Tankmate Suggestions

• Chili Rasbora (Boraras brigittae)

• Phoenix Rasbora (Boraras merah)

• Celestial Pearl Danio (Danio margaritatus)

• Pygmy Corydoras (Corydoras pygmaeus)

• Freshwater shrimp & snails