Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Dwarf Rasbora

Boraras maculatus

Also called Spotted rasbora, Rasbora maculata

SpeciesShort profile

From Peninsular Malaysia, southern Thailand, Singapore, eastern Sumatra and Bintan Island (Indonesia)1 2

At a glance the quick version

Length1 to 2.5 cm3 1 2

Sizetiny

Typical adults 1-2 cm; maximum 2.5 cm standard length

Peaceful

Pretty spotted pattern

Suits small planted aquariums

1 3

Looks how to spot one

Miniature scaled cyprinid with dark spots

A tiny rasbora reaching at most about 2.5 cm. The body is reddish, with the red often reaching onto the head, and it is marked with distinct dark spots on the flank and near the tail, which inspired its scientific name. Males show stronger colour, females are rounder.1 3

Coloursredreddish orangedark spots1 3

Personality what they are like

A gentle, slightly shy fish that is harmless to tankmates. It is calmest and most colourful in a group.1 3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A calm swimmer of quiet, slow water that likes plants around it.1 2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Prefers soft, acidic, clean water. Small regular water changes and daily small portions of live or frozen food alongside dry food help keep it in top colour.1

Home where they are happiest

A minimum footprint of about 45 x 30 cm (roughly 40 litres). Temperature 20-28 °C (FishBase 24-26 °C), pH 4.0-6.5 (FishBase 5.0-6.0), soft water. Dense planting and blackwater-style decor with leaf litter suit it.1 2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A micropredator feeding on worms and small crustaceans in nature. It should not get dry food only; add small live and frozen foods such as Daphnia and Artemia.1 2

Company who they like around

A shoaling fish; keep at least 8-10 together. Fits well with other tiny species, dwarf shrimp and shy anabantoids such as Parosphromenus or small bettas.1 3

The story where it all began

Duncker described the fish in 1904 as Rasbora maculata, from material collected at Muar in Johor, Malaysia. In 1993 it was moved into Boraras, a genus set up for miniature rasboras.1 2 3 4

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
FishBase counts it among the smallest cyprinid fish in the world.2
2
Its scientific name 'maculatus' refers to its spotted markings.3
3
In the wild it spawns in very shallow water, no deeper than about 15 cm, among dense plants.2
4
It lives in ancient peat swamp forests with tea-coloured blackwater.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Assessed as Least Concern (December 2018)2
FishBase: Described by Duncker in 1904; listed as a commercial aquarium species2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Dwarf Rasbora. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
Water testevery week
Glass cleanevery week
Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Dwarf Rasbora?

Feed small amounts once or twice daily. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding every day, offering only what they can eat in a couple of minutes.1 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Dwarf Rasbora eat, and what should it never eat?

They are micropredators that enjoy small live or frozen foods like Daphnia and Artemia, alongside dry food. Never feed them only dry food, as they need variety for health.1 2

How much space does a Dwarf Rasbora need?

A tank with a footprint of at least 45 x 30 cm, roughly 40 litres, is recommended. This gives them room to swim and stay calm.1 2

What temperature, light or water does a Dwarf Rasbora need?

They thrive in soft, acidic water with a pH of 4.0-6.5 and temperature between 20-28°C. Dense planting and blackwater decor with leaf litter suit them best.1 2

How often should I clean a Dwarf Rasbora's home?

Perform a 25% water change weekly, and test the water each week. Rinse the filter monthly in old tank water, never tap water. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Dwarf Rasbora live with others?

Yes, they are gentle shoaling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 8-10. They get along with other tiny species, dwarf shrimp, and shy anabantoids.1 3

How long does a Dwarf Rasbora live?

Lifespan varies with care; ask a good breeder or exotic-pet vet for specific expectations. With proper conditions, they can live several years.

Can I handle a Dwarf Rasbora?

It is best not to handle them, as they are delicate and easily stressed. Enjoy watching them swim calmly in their planted tank.1 2

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Chili Rasbora

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

Seriously Fish - Boraras maculatus seriouslyfish.comused for origin, size, water parameters, care, diet, behaviour, history
FishBase - Boraras maculatus fishbase.seused for author/year, IUCN status, size, habitat, water parameters, spawning
Wikipedia - Dwarf rasbora en.wikipedia.orgused for size, name meaning, social behaviour
Wikipedia - Boraras en.wikipedia.orgused for genus history

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.