Species Options
Chili rasbora (Boraras brigittae) — 1.5-2cm, brilliant red. Exclamation rasbora (Boraras urophthalmoides) — 2cm, red with black spot. Strawberry rasbora (Boraras naevus) — 2cm, pink-red.
All three can mix in one tank or kept as single-species shoals.
Tank Requirements
30-40L planted tank. Sponge or small canister filter. Temperature 25-28°C. pH 5.5-7.0 (slightly acidic preferred).
Dense planting, driftwood, and dim lighting replicate blackwater origins.
Shoaling Behavior
Minimum 10 individuals for proper shoaling. Groups of 15-20 show best natural behavior and color.
Males compete with color displays during courtship. Fry occasionally survive in heavily planted tanks.
Compatible Tank Mates
Cherry shrimp, crystal red shrimp, amano shrimp (careful with shrimplets). Otocinclus, corydoras habrosus, sparkling gourami.
Avoid any fish over 5cm — rasboras become targets or stressed.