Strawberry Rasbora (Boraras naevus): A Guide to Care and Compatibility

The Strawberry Rasbora, with its bright pinkish-red hue and small size, is a favorite among nano tank enthusiasts. Also known as the “Raspberry Rasbora” or “Strawberry Boraras,” this charming fish brings a touch of color and life to planted aquariums. Though they are hardy and adaptable, they thrive best in environments designed to replicate their natural habitat. This guide provides everything you need to know about keeping Strawberry Rasboras, from ideal tank setups and diet to suitable tank mates.

Origin and Natural Habitat

Scientific Name: Boraras naevus
Place of Origin: Southeast Asia, primarily Thailand

The Strawberry Rasbora is native to the slow-moving, shaded waters of Thailand’s lowland rivers and forest streams. These environments are typically rich in plant life, with soft, slightly acidic water and minimal current. In the wild, they live in schools, surrounded by dense vegetation that provides shelter and plenty of small food sources.

Physical Characteristics and Behavior

Strawberry Rasboras are small fish, reaching only about 0.6–0.8 inches in length, with a vibrant red or pink body dotted by a characteristic black spot near the tail. Their small, slender bodies and vivid coloration make them a popular choice for nano aquariums. Strawberry Rasboras are peaceful and schooling fish, happiest when kept in groups of at least six. Their schooling behavior brings life to any aquarium, as they dart around playfully or hover calmly among plants.

These fish are best suited to peaceful, well-planted aquariums with stable water conditions and tank mates of similar size and temperament.

Setting Up the Aquarium

Creating a natural environment for Strawberry Rasboras requires a careful balance of tank size, water quality, and aquascaping.

• Tank Size: A minimum of 5 gallons can work for a small group, but a 10-gallon or larger tank is recommended to accommodate a school and provide stable water conditions.
• Water Parameters: Strawberry Rasboras do best in water that closely matches their natural environment.
  • Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
  • pH: 5.5–7.0 (slightly acidic)
  • Water Hardness: Very soft to moderately soft (1–8 dGH)
• Filtration and Water Flow: A gentle sponge or internal filter with low flow is ideal, as Strawberry Rasboras prefer calm waters. Strong currents can stress them and disrupt their natural behavior.
• Decorations and Substrate: Use a dark substrate to enhance their color, along with dense planting for shelter. Floating plants, driftwood, and natural leaf litter are excellent additions to mimic their native habitat and provide security.

Diet and Feeding

Strawberry Rasboras are micropredators, feeding on small insects, larvae, and zooplankton in the wild. In aquariums, they will thrive on a varied diet of small, high-quality foods.

• Primary Diet: Micro pellets or fine flake food that is small enough for their mouths will be their staple diet.
• Supplements: Frozen or live foods, such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and micro worms, are excellent choices to mimic their natural diet and enhance their color.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them 1–2 times per day with small portions that they can consume within a few minutes. Strawberry Rasboras have small mouths, so make sure all food is appropriately sized.

Tank Mates for Strawberry Rasboras

Due to their small size and peaceful nature, Strawberry Rasboras are best kept with other tiny, gentle species. Here are some compatible tank mates:

1. Other Small Rasboras - Species like Chili Rasboras or Dwarf Rasboras are similar in size and temperament, making them great companions.
2. Other Micro Fish - Species such as Ember Tetras, Sparkling Gouramis, and Celestial Pearl Danios are generally compatible.
3. Shrimp - Peaceful shrimp species, like Cherry Shrimp or Amano Shrimp, can coexist well, as they do not pose a threat to the Strawberry Rasboras.
4. Snails - Nerite Snails and Mystery Snails are compatible, helping to maintain the tank without disturbing the fish.

Avoid any aggressive or large fish, as well as fast-swimming species that may stress the Strawberry Rasboras. Similarly, fin-nipping fish should not be added to their tank.

Breeding Strawberry Rasboras

Breeding Strawberry Rasboras can be accomplished in captivity with proper preparation. They are egg scatterers, meaning they release their eggs randomly over plants or substrate rather than protecting a specific spawning site.

• Setup: Provide a separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops, and set the water slightly acidic.
• Pairing: Introduce a conditioned pair or group of adults into the tank.
• Spawning: Once the female releases the eggs, remove the adults to prevent them from eating the eggs.
• Hatching and Care: Eggs usually hatch within 24–36 hours, and the fry become free-swimming after 3–4 days. Feed fry with infusoria or other micro foods until they are large enough to accept baby brine shrimp.

Common Challenges in Keeping Strawberry Rasboras

• Sensitivity to Water Quality: Strawberry Rasboras are small and sensitive to sudden changes in water conditions. Regular water changes and monitoring are essential.
• Dietary Requirements: They need appropriately sized food, so micro foods are a must. A diet that lacks variety can reduce their coloration.
• Tank Size: Although small, they require enough space for schooling, so a 10-gallon tank or larger is ideal.
• Breeding Complexity: While breeding is possible, separating eggs and providing micro foods for fry can be challenging.

Conclusion

The Strawberry Rasbora is a delightful addition to nano and planted aquariums, offering vibrant color and active schooling behavior. Their care requirements, while manageable, benefit from stable water parameters, peaceful tank mates, and a diet that matches their small size. With their striking appearance and tranquil nature, Strawberry Rasboras can transform a small tank into a lively, colorful underwater scene, making them a rewarding choice for aquarists who enjoy creating balanced, well-planted ecosystems.