Dwarf Rasbora

Dwarf Rasbora, commonly known as Boraras maculatus, is a beautiful nano freshwater fish loved for its tiny size, peaceful behaviour, and delicate red to copper body tones with dark body markings. This species is especially popular in planted aquariums, blackwater-inspired setups, and compact community tanks where small fish are preferred. Because of its shy but active schooling nature, it looks best when kept in a proper group with gentle tank mates and plenty of plant cover.

For aquarists who enjoy natural-looking nano aquariums, Dwarf Rasbora is an excellent choice. It suits hobbyists who can provide stable water conditions, fine food, and a calm environment without aggressive or fast-moving fish. In a well-maintained planted tank, their colours become richer and their schooling behaviour becomes far more attractive.

Key Features

• Appearance: Slender nano rasbora with a warm reddish, orange, or coppery body tone and distinct dark spots or markings along the sides.
• Size: A very small species that usually stays around 2 to 2.5 cm in home aquariums, making it ideal for nano tanks.
• Colors: Best colouration develops in planted tanks with darker substrate, tannin-tinted water, subdued lighting, and a stress-free group setup.
• Lifespan: With clean water, stable temperature, and quality feeding, they can live for several years in a properly maintained aquarium.
• Temperament: Peaceful, shy, and schooling by nature. Best kept in groups rather than singly or in pairs.
• Water Type: Freshwater nano fish suited to calm community aquariums and planted setups.

Care Requirements

• Tank Size: A small group can be kept in a nano aquarium, but a well-planted tank of at least 30 litres is a more comfortable starting point for stable care and natural behaviour.
• Water Parameters: Ideal temperature is around 22 to 28°C with slightly acidic to neutral water, roughly pH 5.5 to 7.0. Stable, clean, low-flow water is preferred.
• Diet: Feed fine-sized foods such as crushed flakes, micro pellets, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and other tiny live or frozen foods suitable for nano fish.
• Tank Mates: Best with other tiny peaceful fish and calm invertebrates. Avoid large, aggressive, or overly active fish that may outcompete or stress them.
• Schooling Need: Keep at least 6 to 10 together, though larger groups often show better confidence, tighter schooling, and stronger colour.
• Aquascape Tips: Dense plants, floating cover, driftwood, leaf litter style decor, and shaded areas help them feel secure and display more naturally.
• Care Tips: Because they are very small, avoid sudden parameter swings, over-filtration with strong current, and oversized tank mates. Gentle acclimation is important after arrival.

Dwarf Rasbora is a rewarding nano fish for aquarists building a peaceful planted aquarium with fine detail and natural movement. When kept in a healthy group and calm environment, this species adds subtle colour, graceful schooling, and excellent compatibility for compact freshwater displays.