Phoenix Rasbora

Boraras merah 'Phoenix' (or sometimes considered a distinct undescribed species) is a micro rasbora from Sumatra with an exceptionally small adult size and high-contrast red-and-black markings. It demands the same blackwater conditions as other Boraras but rewards with extraordinary colour under proper lighting.

Water: 22–28 °C, pH 4.0–6.5, very soft (GH 0–5); blackwater mandatory. Tank: 20 L minimum; Indian almond leaves, dense moss, dark substrate. Feeding: Micro foods only — baby brine shrimp nauplii, rotifers, micro pellets. Behaviour: Peaceful micro schooler; keep 10+ for colour and confidence. Compatibility: Nano shrimp only; extremely small species requires very quiet tank mates.