Exclamation Point Rasbora

Exclamation Point Rasbora

Exclamation Point Rasbora (Boraras urophthalmoides) is named for the bold marking that resembles a punctuation mark — a vivid dot at the base of the caudal fin combined with a short lateral dash creates the exclamation point profile that makes this species instantly identifiable. Urophthalmoides means 'tail-eye-like' in Greek, referencing the prominent caudal spot.

Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Micro Pellets (crushed or soaked briefly) and Sera Vipan Baby make excellent daily staples — the small particle size suits this fish's tiny mouth. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp and Hikari Frozen Daphnia. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily. These tiny rasboras have very small mouths — appropriately sized food is essential.

Boraras species are members of the family Danionidae, native to the peat swamp forests and blackwater streams of Southeast Asia — some of the most acidic and tannin-rich freshwater habitats on Earth. pH values of 3.0–4.5 are not unusual in their wild habitats. In the aquarium, tannin additions from Indian almond leaves or driftwood, dark substrate, and subdued lighting produce the richest coloration and most natural behavior. The name Boraras is an anagram of Rasbora — coined when this group was separated into its own genus.

Keep in groups of at least 10. The exclamation point marking is most vivid and the overall coloration most intense in well-conditioned fish in soft, slightly acidic water. Compatible with other nano species and dwarf shrimp in a blackwater nano setup.

Egg-scatterers that spawn readily among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Eggs are tiny — fry require infusoria or commercially prepared micro-fry foods for the first few days before graduating to newly hatched baby brine shrimp. One of the most distinctively patterned of the Boraras species — the exclamation point marking is unmistakable and immediately identifiable even across an aquarium.

Care & Ideal Parameters