← Fish Database Nano Fish Easy

Strawberry Rasbora
Boraras naevus

Rare in the hobby but stunning — bright strawberry-red body with a dark side spot. Very small and peaceful. Need blackwater conditions with tannins. Best displayed in a species-only nano tank with dark substrate and dim lighting.

📏 Size: 2 cm
🐠 Tank: 5 gal
🌡️ Temp: 23–28°C
Easy

Quick Stats

Adult Size2 cm
Minimum Tank5 gal
Temperature23–28°C
pH Range4.5–6.5
Hardness (GH)1–5 dGH
DifficultyEasy
TemperamentPeaceful
DietOmnivore — micro pellets, infusoria, baby brine shrimp
Schooling10+ rec.

Tank Setup

The Strawberry Rasbora (Boraras naevus) requires a minimum tank size of 5 gal. For a species this size, a larger tank is always better — more water volume means more stable parameters and a healthier environment.

Water parameters should be maintained within the following ranges: temperature 23–28°C, pH 4.5–6.5, and hardness 1–5 dGH. These are relatively tolerant fish that adapt to a range of conditions.

Provide appropriate hiding places, a suitable substrate, and planted areas to match the natural behaviour of this species.

Tank Mates

Strawberry Rasbora are peaceful fish. They work well in community tanks with similarly-sized peaceful species.

Compatible tank mates include: Chili Rasbora, Boraras Merah, Cherry Shrimp, Celestial Pearl Danio, Pygmy Corydoras. Avoid housing with aggressive or much larger fish.

Schooling requirements: 10+ rec.. Keeping them in adequate numbers is essential for their wellbeing.

Diet & Feeding

Strawberry Rasbora are Omnivore. Feed a varied diet to ensure optimal health and colouration.

Omnivore — micro pellets, infusoria, baby brine shrimp

Feed small amounts 1–2 times daily. Only provide what the fish can consume within 2–3 minutes to prevent overfeeding and water quality issues.

Common Health Issues

Like all aquarium fish, Strawberry Rasbora can be susceptible to common diseases including ich (white spot disease), fin rot, and bacterial infections. This species is generally hardy and disease-resistant when kept in good conditions.

Prevention is always better than treatment. Maintain stable water parameters, avoid overfeeding, quarantine new fish before adding them to the main tank, and perform regular water changes. A regular maintenance routine will prevent most health issues.

If disease does occur, isolate affected fish in a quarantine tank and treat appropriately. Always research medication compatibility before use — some treatments are toxic to invertebrates and scaleless fish.

Breeding

Breeding Strawberry Rasbora is possible in the home aquarium.

Provide appropriate breeding conditions — planted areas with fine-leaved plants. Condition breeding pairs with high-quality foods before attempting to spawn them.

Many Strawberry Rasbora will breed readily without intervention. Be prepared to remove eggs or fry if you want to raise them — adult fish may eat their own young.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size tank does a Strawberry Rasbora need?

A Strawberry Rasbora needs a minimum tank size of 5 gal. Larger is always better — more water volume means more stable water parameters and healthier fish.

Are Strawberry Rasbora easy to keep?

Strawberry Rasbora are rated as Easy difficulty. Beginners can keep them successfully with proper research and a cycled tank.

What do Strawberry Rasbora eat?

Strawberry Rasbora are Omnivore. Feed a varied diet including micro pellets, infusoria, baby brine shrimp.

Can Strawberry Rasbora live with other fish?

Strawberry Rasbora are peaceful. Compatible tankmates include: Chili Rasbora, Boraras Merah, Cherry Shrimp, Celestial Pearl Danio, Pygmy Corydoras. They work well in community tanks with similarly-sized peaceful fish.