Strawberry Rasbora (Boraras naevus)

Boraras naevus, the Strawberry Rasbora, is a charming nano fish from southern Thailand, found in heavily shaded blackwater peat swamps and forest streams with extremely soft, acidic water. Its pinkish-red body adorned with scattered black spots faintly resembles the surface of a strawberry. Groups displayed against dark substrate in tannin-stained water with dappled lighting produce a stunning, jewel-like effect. One of the smallest cyprinids in the hobby, it is ideal for nano biotope tanks.

Keep in groups of 10 or more in a species or peaceful nano biotope tank. Prepare very soft, acidic water using RO water buffered with peat or Indian almond leaves (pH 4.0–6.5, GH < 5, KH < 2). Gentle sponge filtration only — strong flow stresses nano fish. Feed micro-foods: baby brine shrimp, micro-worms, Cyclops, and quality nano flake. Avoid housing with any fish large enough to eat them.