Galaxy Rasbora (Boraras brigittae) - The Ultimate Care Guide for Your Aquarium

The Galaxy Rasbora (Boraras brigittae), also known as the Celestial Pearl Danio or CPD, is a small and colorful fish that has become a favorite among aquarists. With its striking pattern of blue and red spots, it adds a splash of color to any aquarium, especially in aquascaped tanks. This charming fish is perfect for nano tanks and peaceful community setups. In this guide, we’ll explore its origin, care tips, and ideal tank mates to help you create the perfect environment for this beautiful species.

Place of Origin:

The Galaxy Rasbora is native to Southeast Asia, specifically the streams and slow-moving waters of Myanmar (Burma). Found in the Shan State, this fish thrives in dense vegetation and clear, slow-moving water with low light penetration. In its natural habitat, the Galaxy Rasbora is often found in small groups near the substrate, where it forages for food and hides among plants. Recreating these natural conditions in your aquarium will help your Rasboras thrive.

Appearance and Size:

Galaxy Rasboras are small fish, reaching only around 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length when fully grown, making them ideal for nano aquariums and small community tanks. Their bodies are semi-transparent, adorned with shimmering blue spots and vibrant red coloration, giving them a starry, galaxy-like appearance. The males are typically more colorful and smaller than the females, and they are the ones with the brightest colors and most prominent markings.

Tip: Due to their tiny size, Galaxy Rasboras should be housed in a tank that offers plenty of hiding spots and dense plant coverage.

Tips on Keeping a Galaxy Rasbora in an Aquarium:

1. Tank Size: Galaxy Rasboras are ideal for small tanks due to their size. A 10-gallon (38-liter) tank is sufficient for a small group of Galaxy Rasboras. However, if you plan to keep other species with them, a slightly larger tank (20 gallons or more) is recommended to prevent overcrowding.
2. Water Conditions:
   • Temperature: Maintain a water temperature between 72°F and 80°F (22°C to 27°C) to replicate their native habitat.
   • pH Level: Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
   • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water is ideal for Galaxy Rasboras.
   • Filtration: Use a gentle filtration system that provides clear water without creating strong currents. This will ensure the fish remain comfortable and stress-free.
3. Substrate and Aquascaping: Galaxy Rasboras prefer a fine gravel or sand substrate where they can forage for food. Since they like to hide among plants, a well-planted tank is a must. Add plenty of live plants like mosses, Java fern, or floating plants to provide hiding spots and mimic their natural environment.

Tip: Avoid using a gravel substrate with sharp edges, as it can injure the fish. A soft, smooth substrate is preferable for their tiny bodies.

1. Diet: Galaxy Rasboras are omnivores and feed on a variety of foods. In the wild, they consume small invertebrates, plant matter, and microorganisms. In your aquarium, provide a varied diet consisting of high-quality flake food, micro pellets, live or frozen foods like daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms. Offer vegetable matter such as spirulina-based foods or finely chopped lettuce to maintain a balanced diet.
2. Group Behavior: These tiny fish are naturally schooling species, so it’s essential to keep them in groups of at least six or more to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior. A larger group will help them feel more secure and display their vibrant colors.
3. Tank Maintenance: While Galaxy Rasboras are small and relatively low-maintenance, they do require regular water changes to keep their environment clean and stable. Aim for weekly water changes of around 25% to maintain optimal water quality.

Good Tank Mates for Galaxy Rasboras:

Galaxy Rasboras are peaceful, non-aggressive fish that do well in community tanks with similarly-sized, peaceful species. Since they are small and delicate, it's important to choose tank mates carefully to avoid aggression or bullying. Here are some good options:

1. Other Rasboras: Other peaceful Rasbora species like the Harlequin Rasbora or Exclamation Point Rasbora can coexist well with Galaxy Rasboras. These species have similar care requirements and will add more color to your tank.
2. Tetras: Small, peaceful tetras such as Neon Tetras, Cardinal Tetras, or Ember Tetras are great companions for Galaxy Rasboras. These species also enjoy schooling and won’t bother the tiny Rasboras.
3. Corydoras Catfish: Corydoras species, like the Pygmy Corydoras or Salt and Pepper Cory, are peaceful bottom dwellers that won’t compete for the same food sources as the Rasboras. They can help keep the substrate clean and add variety to your tank.
4. Shrimp and Snails: Amano Shrimp, Cherry Shrimp, or Nerite Snails are excellent tank mates as they are peaceful and won’t disturb the Rasboras. Additionally, shrimp can help keep algae in check, which benefits the overall tank ecosystem.
5. Small Gouramis: Small species of gouramis, like the Dwarf Gourami or Honey Gourami, can make good tank mates. These fish are peaceful and won't pose a threat to the tiny Galaxy Rasboras.

Tip: Avoid housing Galaxy Rasboras with larger or more aggressive species, such as bettas, large cichlids, or any fish known to eat small fish.

Final Thoughts:

The Galaxy Rasbora is a stunning and peaceful addition to any aquarium, especially for aquascaping enthusiasts and those with nano tanks. By providing a well-planted tank, maintaining stable water conditions, and offering a varied diet, you’ll help your Galaxy Rasboras thrive in your aquarium for years to come. Their small size, vibrant colors, and social nature make them a joy to observe, and they can coexist peacefully with many other small, peaceful species.

With proper care and the right tank mates, the Galaxy Rasbora will quickly become the sparkling star of your aquarium!