Strawberry Rasbora

About the Strawberry Rasbora

The Strawberry Rasbora is one of the smallest and most colourful freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby. Native to the peat swamps and slow-moving forest streams of southern Thailand, this tiny nano fish is admired for its brilliant ruby-red body, distinctive dark spots, and peaceful schooling behaviour. Its vivid colouration and miniature size make it an outstanding choice for planted aquariums, nano tanks, and shrimp aquariums.

Growing to just 2 cm, Strawberry Rasboras create a spectacular display when kept in large schools. Mature males develop intense strawberry-red colouration with prominent black markings during courtship, while females are slightly larger with softer red and orange tones. Their colours become even more vibrant in heavily planted aquariums with dark substrates, floating plants, and subdued lighting.

Strawberry Rasboras thrive in mature planted aquariums with dense vegetation, mosses, driftwood, leaf litter, and gentle water flow. They should always be kept in groups of at least 10, where they exhibit natural schooling behaviour and become far more confident. Their peaceful nature makes them ideal companions for Celestial Pearl Danios, Ember Tetras, Chili 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 vibrant colours and maintain excellent health.

Tiny, peaceful, and brilliantly coloured, the Strawberry Rasbora is one of the finest nano fish available for planted aquariums and aquascapes.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name

Boraras naevus

Common Name

Strawberry Rasbora

Origin

Southern Thailand

Adult Size

2 cm

Temperament

Peaceful

Diet

Omnivore

Minimum Tank Size

30 Litres

Temperature

24–28°C

pH

5.0–7.0

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 Strawberry Rasboras should I keep?

Strawberry Rasboras are schooling fish and should always be kept in groups of at least 10. Schools of 20 or more create an incredible display and encourage stronger colouration.

Are Strawberry Rasboras peaceful?

Yes. They are extremely peaceful and are among the best nano fish for planted aquariums and shrimp tanks.

What do Strawberry 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 Strawberry Rasboras live with shrimp?

Yes. They are excellent companions for Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Shrimp, Amano Shrimp, and other dwarf shrimp species. Very small shrimplets may occasionally be eaten, but adults are completely safe.

Why are my Strawberry Rasboras losing colour?

Stress, poor water quality, bright lighting, or being kept in small groups can cause colours to fade. A densely planted aquarium with subdued lighting, excellent water quality, and a varied diet will help them display their brightest colours.

Common Mistakes

Keeping them in small groups

Strawberry 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, and driftwood help these fish feel secure and display their best colours.

Poor water quality

Stable water conditions and regular water changes are essential for long-term health.

Keeping them with large or aggressive fish

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