Maculata Rasbora

About the Maculata Rasbora

The Maculata Rasbora, also known as the Dwarf Rasbora or Pygmy Rasbora, is one of the smallest freshwater fish in the world. Native to the blackwater peat swamps and slow-moving forest streams of Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, this tiny species is prized for its brilliant ruby-red colouration, distinctive black spots, and peaceful schooling behaviour.

Growing to just 2–2.5 cm, the Maculata Rasbora is a perfect choice for nano aquariums, aquascapes, and shrimp tanks. Mature fish develop vibrant crimson-red bodies highlighted by three distinctive black spots along the flank, creating a striking contrast against lush green aquatic plants and dark substrates.

Maculata Rasboras thrive in mature, heavily planted aquariums with driftwood, leaf litter, floating plants, and gentle water movement. They are highly social and should always be kept in schools of at least 10, where they become more confident and display their brightest colours. Their peaceful nature makes them excellent companions for Celestial Pearl Danios, Ember Tetras, Strawberry Rasboras, Pygmy Corydoras, Otocinclus, Medaka, and freshwater shrimp.

A varied diet of premium nano pellets, crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, microworms, vinegar eels, daphnia, cyclops, and other tiny live or frozen foods will maximise their colouration and maintain excellent health.

Tiny, peaceful, and brilliantly coloured, the Maculata Rasbora is one of the finest nano fish for planted aquariums and shrimp-focused aquascapes.

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Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name

Boraras maculatus

Common Name

Maculata Rasbora (Dwarf Rasbora)

Origin

Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia

Adult Size

2–2.5 cm

Temperament

Peaceful

Diet

Omnivore

Minimum Tank Size

30 Litres

Temperature

24–28°C

pH

4.5–7.0

Water Hardness

1–8 dGH

Difficulty

Beginner

Lifespan

3–5 Years

Suitable For

Nano aquariums, planted tanks, blackwater aquariums, shrimp tanks, and peaceful community aquariums

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many Maculata Rasboras should I keep?

Maculata Rasboras are schooling fish and should always be kept in groups of at least 10. Schools of 20 or more create a spectacular display and encourage natural behaviour.

Are Maculata Rasboras peaceful?

Yes. They are among the most peaceful freshwater fish available and are ideal for nano aquariums and shrimp tanks.

What do Maculata Rasboras eat?

They thrive on premium nano pellets, crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, microworms, vinegar eels, daphnia, cyclops, and other tiny live or frozen foods.

Can Maculata Rasboras live with shrimp?

Yes. They are excellent tank mates for Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Shrimp, Amano Shrimp, and other dwarf shrimp. Newly hatched shrimplets may occasionally be eaten, but adults are completely safe.

Why are my Maculata Rasboras pale?

Stress, poor water quality, bright lighting, or being kept in small groups can reduce their vibrant colouration. Dense planting, subdued lighting, clean water, and a varied diet will help maintain their brilliant red colours.

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Common Mistakes

Keeping them in small groups

Maculata Rasboras become shy and lose colour when kept in groups smaller than ten.

Feeding oversized foods

Their tiny mouths require fine pellets, crushed flakes, and appropriately sized live or frozen foods.

Bright aquariums with little cover

Floating plants, mosses, driftwood, and leaf litter help recreate their natural habitat and encourage stronger colouration.

Poor water quality

Stable water conditions and regular water changes are essential for maintaining healthy fish.

Keeping them with large or aggressive fish

Choose peaceful nano species that won't intimidate or prey on these tiny schooling fish.

About the Maculata Rasbora

The Maculata Rasbora, also known as the Dwarf Rasbora or Pygmy Rasbora, is one of the smallest freshwater fish in the world. Native to the blackwater peat swamps and slow-moving forest streams of Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, this tiny species is prized for its brilliant ruby-red colouration, distinctive black spots, and peaceful schooling behaviour.

Growing to just 2–2.5 cm, the Maculata Rasbora is a perfect choice for nano aquariums, aquascapes, and shrimp tanks. Mature fish develop vibrant crimson-red bodies highlighted by three distinctive black spots along the flank, creating a striking contrast against lush green aquatic plants and dark substrates.

Maculata Rasboras thrive in mature, heavily planted aquariums with driftwood, leaf litter, floating plants, and gentle water movement. They are highly social and should always be kept in schools of at least 10, where they become more confident and display their brightest colours. Their peaceful nature makes them excellent companions for Celestial Pearl Danios, Ember Tetras, Strawberry Rasboras, Pygmy Corydoras, Otocinclus, Medaka, and freshwater shrimp.

A varied diet of premium nano pellets, crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, microworms, vinegar eels, daphnia, cyclops, and other tiny live or frozen foods will maximise their colouration and maintain excellent health.

Tiny, peaceful, and brilliantly coloured, the Maculata Rasbora is one of the finest nano fish for planted aquariums and shrimp-focused aquascapes.

---

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name

Boraras maculatus

Common Name

Maculata Rasbora (Dwarf Rasbora)

Origin

Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia

Adult Size

2–2.5 cm

Temperament

Peaceful

Diet

Omnivore

Minimum Tank Size

30 Litres

Temperature

24–28°C

pH

4.5–7.0

Water Hardness

1–8 dGH

Difficulty

Beginner

Lifespan

3–5 Years

Suitable For

Nano aquariums, planted tanks, blackwater aquariums, shrimp tanks, and peaceful community aquariums

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Maculata Rasboras should I keep?

Maculata Rasboras are schooling fish and should always be kept in groups of at least 10. Schools of 20 or more create a spectacular display and encourage natural behaviour.

Are Maculata Rasboras peaceful?

Yes. They are among the most peaceful freshwater fish available and are ideal for nano aquariums and shrimp tanks.

What do Maculata Rasboras eat?

They thrive on premium nano pellets, crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, microworms, vinegar eels, daphnia, cyclops, and other tiny live or frozen foods.

Can Maculata Rasboras live with shrimp?

Yes. They are excellent tank mates for Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Shrimp, Amano Shrimp, and other dwarf shrimp. Newly hatched shrimplets may occasionally be eaten, but adults are completely safe.

Why are my Maculata Rasboras pale?

Stress, poor water quality, bright lighting, or being kept in small groups can reduce their vibrant colouration. Dense planting, subdued lighting, clean water, and a varied diet will help maintain their brilliant red colours.

---

Common Mistakes

Keeping them in small groups

Maculata Rasboras become shy and lose colour when kept in groups smaller than ten.

Feeding oversized foods

Their tiny mouths require fine pellets, crushed flakes, and appropriately sized live or frozen foods.

Bright aquariums with little cover

Floating plants, mosses, driftwood, and leaf litter help recreate their natural habitat and encourage stronger colouration.

Poor water quality

Stable water conditions and regular water changes are essential for maintaining healthy fish.

Keeping them with large or aggressive fish

Choose peaceful nano species that won't intimidate or prey on these tiny schooling fish.