The Strawberry Rasbora (Boraras naevus) is a tiny, peaceful freshwater nano fish native to Thailand that grows to just 1.5–2 cm in length.
Quick Facts & Care Specs
• Size: 1.5–2 cm (0.6–0.8 inches)
• Lifespan: Up to 4–8 years
• Tank Size: Minimum 30 liters (approx. 6–10 gallons)
• Water Parameters: Temperature 20–28°C (68–82°F); pH 4.0–7.0
• Care Level: Intermediate (sensitive to rapid water parameter and nitrate changes)
Behavior & Tank Mates
• Schooling: They are strict schooling fish and must be kept in groups of at least 8 to 10 (ideally 12+) to feel secure and display their best ruby-red coloration.
• Temperament: Extremely peaceful and timid. Do not house them with large, active, or aggressive fish that might view them as food.
• Tank Setup: They thrive in heavily planted, mature aquariums with dim lighting, gentle water flow, and dark substrates or botanical/driftwood elements that mimic their native tannin-stained waters. According to a discussion on r/Boraras, users note they can sometimes adapt and even passively breed in planted setups with standard parameters.
• Invertebrates: Safe to keep with dwarf shrimp and other tiny nano invertebrates.
Diet
• Due to their microscopic mouths, they require very fine foods like micro-pellets, crushed flakes, cyclops, and live or frozen baby brine shrimp.
