Strawberry Rasbora (Boraras naevus)

The Strawberry Rasbora, Boraras naevus, is a charming and vibrant nano fish that captivates aquarists with its delicate beauty and peaceful nature. Its small size and bright red-pink hues make it an excellent choice for planted nano tanks or peaceful community setups.

Natural Habitat

Strawberry Rasboras are native to Southeast Asia, particularly found in slow-moving, heavily vegetated waters in Thailand and the surrounding regions. These environments consist of streams, ponds, and swamps with abundant leaf litter and shaded areas. The waters are typically soft and slightly acidic, conditions in which these tiny fish thrive. Their natural diet includes small insects, larvae, and microorganisms found in their habitat.

Appearance

True to their name, Strawberry Rasboras display a lovely reddish-pink body, sometimes with tiny dark spots or blotches near the tail, giving them a striking appearance. The coloration of this species is particularly vibrant in well-maintained, densely planted aquariums. Their size is petite, growing to a maximum of 0.8 inches (2 cm), making them one of the smallest aquarium fish available.

Aquarium Care

Though they are small, Strawberry Rasboras are easy to care for if their tank is properly set up to mimic their natural environment.

• Tank Size: A tank of at least 5 gallons (19 liters) is suitable for a small group of Strawberry Rasboras, but they do best in schools of six or more. A larger tank of around 10 gallons or more provides more room for them to exhibit natural schooling behaviors.
• Water Parameters: These fish prefer a water temperature between 72°F and 79°F (22°C - 26°C) with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.0 to 7.0. They are accustomed to soft water in the wild, so maintaining soft, well-filtered water will ensure their health. Stable water conditions with regular changes are essential to keeping them stress-free.
• Tank Setup: A heavily planted tank is ideal for Strawberry Rasboras. Floating plants help provide diffused lighting, which makes them feel more secure, and dense vegetation offers them plenty of places to hide. Fine gravel or sand can be used as a substrate, and adding leaf litter or driftwood will create a naturalistic environment that closely resembles their native habitats.
• Diet: In the wild, Strawberry Rasboras feed on tiny invertebrates, and in captivity, they do well with a varied diet of high-quality micro-pellets, finely crushed flakes, and frozen or live foods such as daphnia, baby brine shrimp, and microworms. Offering a mix of food types ensures that their bright colors remain vibrant and they stay healthy.
• Behavior and Tank Mates: Strawberry Rasboras are peaceful and shy fish that do well in small, peaceful community tanks. Ideal tank mates include other tiny species like Ember Tetras, other Boraras species, and small shrimp. Avoid keeping them with larger, more aggressive fish that could easily intimidate or outcompete them for food. They also thrive when kept in groups, as their shoaling behavior provides security and encourages natural, active swimming.

Breeding

Breeding Strawberry Rasboras is possible in home aquariums and follows a similar process to other small rasboras. These fish are egg scatterers, releasing their eggs among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. After spawning, it's best to remove the adults, as they may eat the eggs. The eggs will hatch in about 24-36 hours, and the tiny fry can be fed infusoria or commercial fry foods until they are large enough to eat baby brine shrimp or micro-worms.

Common Issues

Though Strawberry Rasboras are hardy fish, they can be sensitive to poor water quality, especially in small tanks where parameters can fluctuate more rapidly. Regular water changes and proper filtration are necessary to keep them healthy. Overfeeding can also lead to water quality issues, so it’s important to provide small, frequent feedings.

Conclusion

Strawberry Rasboras are a delightful and colorful addition to any nano or community aquarium. Their small size, peaceful nature, and stunning colors make them ideal for aquarists who appreciate delicate beauty. With the right environment, stable water conditions, and a varied diet, these tiny fish will thrive and bring vibrancy to your aquarium.