The Strawberry Rasbora: A Colorful and Hardy Delight for Your Aquarium

The Strawberry Rasbora (Boraras brigittae) is one of the most visually stunning and peaceful freshwater fish you can introduce into a community aquarium. With its vibrant coloration, small size, and friendly demeanor, this little gem has earned a special place in the hearts of aquarists. If you’re looking to add a splash of color and tranquility to your tank, the Strawberry Rasbora is an excellent choice.

In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Strawberry Rasbora, from its origins and physical characteristics to its care requirements and ideal tank mates.

Origin and Habitat of the Strawberry Rasbora

The Strawberry Rasbora is native to the Southeast Asian regions, specifically found in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It thrives in slow-moving streams, ponds, and shallow waters with plenty of vegetation, where it can find shelter and ample food sources. These fish are generally found in warm, slightly acidic waters, which mimic the conditions of the aquarium they thrive in.

The species was first discovered in the early 2000s, and it quickly became popular in the aquarium hobby due to its bright red coloration and compact size, making it ideal for nano tanks and smaller aquariums.

Physical Characteristics of the Strawberry Rasbora

The Strawberry Rasbora is a small but striking fish that adds a pop of color to any tank. Here’s what you can expect:

• Size: The Strawberry Rasbora is a small species, growing to a maximum length of 1.5 inches (4 cm). This makes it a perfect fit for nano aquariums or smaller setups, where space may be limited.
• Coloration: As the name suggests, the Strawberry Rasbora is best known for its bright red or pinkish-red hue, which resembles the color of a ripe strawberry. The body is mostly translucent, but the fish’s scales are tinged with red, creating a striking visual effect. The fins of the Strawberry Rasbora are generally a pale yellow or transparent, accentuating its vibrant body color.
• Shape and Body: This species has a slender, torpedo-shaped body, with a slightly rounded belly. The overall shape is well-suited for navigating tight spaces among plants and other structures in the tank.
• Eyes and Face: The Strawberry Rasbora has a small, black eye that adds to its delicate appearance. The small mouth is located near the front of the face, ideal for picking at small food particles in its natural habitat.

Care Tips for the Strawberry Rasbora

While the Strawberry Rasbora is relatively easy to care for, there are several factors to consider when keeping them healthy and happy in your aquarium.

Tank Setup and Water Conditions

• Tank Size: Although small, the Strawberry Rasbora is an active swimmer and should be kept in groups of 6-10 fish to ensure they feel secure and comfortable. A 10-gallon tank is the minimum recommended size, but larger setups are always better to maintain water quality and allow for more swimming space.
• Water Parameters: Strawberry Rasboras are quite adaptable but do best in slightly acidic to neutral water conditions.
  • Temperature: 75°F to 82°F (24°C - 28°C)
  • pH: 6.0 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (2-12 dGH)

The key to success with these fish is stable water conditions, as they are sensitive to sharp changes in temperature, pH, or salinity. Make sure to use a reliable heater to maintain a consistent temperature and regularly test the water parameters.

• Filtration: A gentle filter is ideal for these tiny fish. Strong water currents may stress them out, so avoid high-flow filters or adjust the flow rate to suit their needs.

Tank Setup Suggestions

The Strawberry Rasbora prefers a tank with plenty of plants, driftwood, and rock caves where it can hide and feel secure. Live plants such as Java moss, Anubias, and Cryptocoryne create a more natural environment for these fish, helping them feel more at home.

While the Strawberry Rasbora doesn’t need a heavily planted tank, they do appreciate some greenery to swim through and among. Adding a few floating plants like Duckweed or Water Sprite can also help reduce light intensity and provide a more natural look to the tank.

Feeding the Strawberry Rasbora

The Strawberry Rasbora is an omnivore, meaning it will eat both animal-based and plant-based foods. In the wild, it feeds on small insects, plant matter, and algae, so it requires a balanced diet that includes both protein and vegetable matter.

• High-Quality Flake or Pellet Food: You can feed them specialized rasbora flake foods or small sinking pellets formulated for tiny fish.
• Live or Frozen Food: They will also enjoy occasional treats of live or frozen foods, such as brine shrimp, daphnia, microworms, or bloodworms. These high-protein foods encourage natural hunting behavior and are essential for their health.
• Vegetables: Offer blanched spinach, zucchini, or peas occasionally for variety and fiber in their diet.

It’s important to feed small amounts several times a day rather than one large feeding. This ensures that the fish get the nutrients they need and prevents uneaten food from polluting the tank.

Tank Mates for the Strawberry Rasbora

The Strawberry Rasbora is a peaceful species, making it an excellent choice for community tanks with other non-aggressive fish. It can be housed with a variety of small, peaceful species, including:

• Tetras (e.g., Neon Tetras, Rummy Nose Tetras)
• Corydoras Catfish
• Cherry Shrimp
• Small Gouramis (e.g., Sparkling Gourami)
• Small Rasboras (e.g., Harlequin Rasbora)

Avoid keeping them with large or aggressive species, such as Cichlids, Betta fish, or fast swimmers like barbs, as they may harass or outcompete the Strawberry Rasbora for food.

Strawberry Rasboras do best in schools of their own species, so keeping a group of at least 6-10 fish will help them feel comfortable and reduce stress.

Why Choose the Strawberry Rasbora?

• Beautiful Coloration: The vibrant red hue of the Strawberry Rasbora is unlike any other freshwater fish, making it a standout in any aquarium.
• Peaceful and Community-Friendly: These small, non-aggressive fish do well in a peaceful community tank, coexisting with other small, gentle species.
• Low-Maintenance: Strawberry Rasboras are hardy and easy to care for, making them a great choice for both beginners and experienced hobbyists.
• Ideal for Nano Tanks: Their small size makes them perfect for nano aquariums or smaller setups where other species might be too large to thrive.

Conclusion:

The Strawberry Rasbora is a stunning addition to any freshwater tank, offering a vibrant splash of color and a peaceful demeanor that fits perfectly in community tanks. With proper care, they will thrive and provide years of enjoyment to any aquarium enthusiast. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hobbyist, this small, beautiful fish is sure to be a standout feature in your aquarium.

If you’re looking to add some color and charm to your tank, the Strawberry Rasbora is an excellent choice you won’t regret!