At a glance the quick version
Standard length; FishBase gives 1.3 cm, Seriously Fish up to 2 cm
Looks how to spot one
Miniature scaled cyprinid with a large flank blotch
A very small rasbora around 1.5-2 cm long. It is red to reddish orange with a large dark blotch on the side, which is noticeably bigger in males. Mature males also have red and black along the front edges of the dorsal and anal fins, while females are rounder and duller.12
Personality what they are like
Very peaceful but timid. It gains confidence and colours up in a group alongside other small, calm fish.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A gentle swimmer of slow-moving, plant-rich water.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Keep water soft, clean and stable. It accepts dried food, but daily small live or frozen foods give the best colour.1
Home where they are happiest
A minimum footprint of about 45 x 30 cm (roughly 40 litres). Temperature 20-28 °C, pH 5.0-7.0, hardness 1-10 dGH. Dense planting, dim lighting and gentle flow suit it.1
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Probably a micropredator in the wild. In the aquarium give small flakes or granules plus Daphnia, Artemia and other tiny live or frozen foods.1
Company who they like around
A shoaling fish; keep at least 8-10 together with other very small or shy species.1
The story where it all began
It was traded for years under names such as Boraras sp. 'micros' before Conway and Kottelat formally described it in 2011. They presented it as a new miniature fish from peninsular Thailand in which males and females differ in colour.132
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Its scientific name refers to the large flank blotch, which differs in size between males and females.1
- 2
It was sold in the hobby under trade names like 'red micros' and 'Petch Noi' before getting its scientific name.1
- 3
Its type locality is a swampy area north of Surat Thani in southern Thailand.2
- 4
Males and females are easy to tell apart by colour, a trait known as sexual dichromatism.2
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Assessed as Data Deficient (January 2013)2
- FishBase
- Described by Conway & Kottelat in 20112
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Strawberry 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 Strawberry Rasbora?
Feed small amounts once or twice daily. Use small flakes or granules plus tiny live or frozen foods like Daphnia. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.1 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Strawberry Rasbora eat, and what should it never eat?
It eats small flakes or granules and tiny live or frozen foods such as Daphnia and Artemia. Avoid any large or hard foods that could harm its tiny mouth. For a complete list, ask a good breeder or vet.1
How much space does a Strawberry Rasbora need?
A minimum tank footprint of about 45 by 30 cm, which is roughly 40 litres. This gives enough room for a small shoal to swim comfortably.1
What temperature, light or water does a Strawberry Rasbora need?
Keep water temperature between 20 and 28°C, pH 5.0 to 7.0, and hardness 1 to 10 dGH. Provide dense planting, dim lighting and gentle water flow.1
How often should I clean a Strawberry Rasbora's home?
Change about 25% of the water weekly, clean the glass weekly, and rinse the filter in old tank water once a month. Never use tap water for the filter. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Strawberry Rasbora live with others?
Yes, it is a shoaling fish that needs at least 8 to 10 of its own kind. It gets along with other very small, shy species. Avoid large or boisterous tankmates.1
How long does a Strawberry Rasbora live?
Lifespan varies; with good care they can live several years. For a more precise estimate, ask a breeder or an exotic-pet vet.
Can I handle a Strawberry Rasbora?
It is best not to handle this tiny fish; handling can stress or injure it. Use a net only when necessary for tank maintenance. For advice, ask a vet.
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.
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Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
- Seriously Fish - Boraras naevus seriouslyfish.comused for origin, trade names, size, water parameters, care, diet, behaviour, taxonomy
- FishBase - Boraras naevus fishbase.seused for author/year, IUCN status, size, type locality, colour differences
- Wikipedia - Boraras naevus en.wikipedia.orgused for description history, distribution
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.