Species profile
Strawberry Rasbora
Boraras naevus
Peaceful
Moderate care
30 L minimum aquarium
1.5–2 cm adult size
Top mid
Minimum group: 10
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
A mature micro-aquarium is more appropriate than a bare small tank. Food size and competition are common failure points.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–28 °C
pH
5–7
GH
1–8 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 10
Tank zone
Top mid
Territory level
None
Predation risk
Tiny fry
Bioload factor
0.25
Tiny peaceful shoaler. Keep a generous group in a mature, densely planted aquarium with equally small and gentle tankmates.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
Yes
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
3–5 years
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
30 L
Minimum footprint
45 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Boraras naevus
Alternative names
Strawberry Rasbora, Boraras naevus
Native range
Southern peninsular Thailand, including the lower Tapi drainage region.
Natural habitat
Shallow swampy/vegetated waters with leaf litter, soft acidic water and very gentle flow.
Diet & feeding
Micropredator of tiny zooplankton and invertebrates; feed very fine dry foods and live/frozen microfoods.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males are slimmer and more intensely red; females are fuller-bodied and generally less vividly coloured.
Breeding
Continuous egg-scatterer with no parental care; adults may eat eggs and fry among plants/moss.