Strawberry Rasbora
Boraras naevus
The Strawberry Rasbora (Boraras naevus) is a miniature shoaling fish from southern Thailand. Trade names such as strawberry rasbora and red micros have also been applied to other small Boraras, so correct identification matters. This fish is peaceful but timid and too small for a busy aquarium with large or fast companions. Keep a dedicated group in a biologically mature tank and offer very fine food. Do not mix it with other Boraras: the specialist care source warns that hybridisation may occur. Check after feeding that every fish has actually eaten.
Plan your aquarium →At a glance
- Temperature
- 20–28 °C
- pH
- 5.0–7.0
- GH
- 1–10 °dGH
- Aquarium length
- At least 45 cm
- Minimum aquarium volume
- At least 41 L
- Adult size
- At least 1.3 cm
- Group size
- At least 8–10 individuals
- Temperament
- Peaceful
About this species
The original species description highlights the much larger anterior flank blotch of adult males compared with females. This sexual difference helps identify the species. FishBase, citing the original description, reports a maximum standard length of about 1.3 cm. Seriously Fish gives 2 cm. We retain this source discrepancy internally and use the smaller value from the taxonomic account here. Standard length does not include the caudal fin.Natural habitat
Boraras naevus is known from the lower Tapi drainage in Surat Thani province on the Thai peninsula. It inhabits shallow, clear swamps and pools with aquatic plants. Many wetlands have been converted to rice fields. This differs from the peat-swamp blackwater habitats described for some other Boraras, so do not automatically assume tannin-stained brown water.Aquarium and layout
Seriously Fish recommends a base footprint of at least 45 × 30 cm and about 41 litres for a group. This leaves swimming room and space for temporary male territories during spawning. Use dense fine-leaved planting, floating plants and quiet refuges, while retaining open swimming areas. Keep flow gentle. The species is sensitive to fluctuations and should be added only to a biologically mature aquarium.Water conditions
The specialist profile gives 20–28°C, pH 5.0–7.0 and GH 1–10 dGH. These are care limits; separate breeding guidance uses narrower parameters and should not be confused with routine maintenance. Do not push the aquarium rapidly toward a pH extreme with chemicals. Test regularly, prevent ammonia and nitrite and keep maintenance and temperature steady. Acclimate according to the conditions in which the fish arrive.Behaviour and group size
Keep at least 8–10 Strawberry Rasboras together. A group supports natural shoaling and may reduce nervousness. The species is peaceful but not suited to a busy community tank. Important: Seriously Fish advises against keeping it with other Boraras because crossing may occur. Keep separate species groups even when water ranges overlap. Larger fish may intimidate, outcompete or prey on these tiny rasboras.Feeding
This micropredator eats small insects, worms, crustaceans and other zooplankton. Offer very fine live or frozen foods such as Daphnia and Artemia alongside suitably small dried food. Crumble flakes before feeding and give small portions all fish can swallow. Watch the most timid individuals, which may lose out during feeding. Dried food alone is not a recommended diet, and leftovers should be removed.Breeding
The fish scatters eggs among plants and provides no parental care. Fry may occasionally appear in a mature, densely planted aquarium, but adults can eat eggs and larvae. For deliberate breeding, a separate setup with fine-leaved plants and egg protection is more useful. Published breeding parameters are narrower than everyday care limits. Newly hatched fry are tiny and initially need microscopic food. Do not breed Strawberry Rasboras with other Boraras because of hybridisation risk.Suitable products
Recommended staple foods
Tropical Supervit Basic 100ml
Complete flake food for animal-eating fish. Crumble finely for this tiny mouth and check that shy fish feed.
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Tropical Dafnia 100ml
Dried Daphnia as an occasional supplement; it does not replace a complete staple food.
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Sources & review
This care guide draws on several specialist sources and was last checked on .