Strawberry Rasbora
Strawberry Rasbora (Boraras naevus) is a captivating nano fish from southern Thailand whose common name refers to the scattering of deep red blotches along the flanks — reminiscent of the seeds on a strawberry's surface. Males develop an overall warm rose-red body color with darker spots creating a beautiful dappled pattern. It is one of the more uniquely patterned fish in the Boraras genus and remains genuinely uncommon in the hobby.
Feeding & Care Tip: Like all Boraras, the Strawberry Rasbora has a very small mouth. Start juveniles on Sera Micron Nature and transition to Sera Vipan Baby flakes as they grow. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp. Feed small amounts multiple times daily.
Native to peat swamp forests and slow-flowing blackwater streams of southern Thailand, this species lives in some of the softest, most tannin-rich water imaginable. A well-planted aquarium with dark substrate, soft slightly acidic water, gentle flow, and tannin additions such as driftwood or catappa leaves will produce the richest color.
Keep in groups of at least eight, ideally twelve or more. Larger groups produce noticeably more vibrant coloration and more natural behavior. Best kept with other very small, peaceful species — other Boraras, nano shrimp, small Corydoras.
The Strawberry Rasbora is a fish for the dedicated planted tank enthusiast who wants something genuinely unusual. Its patterned body and warm coloration make it stand out from the more commonly encountered nano rasboras.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful — Nano Community |
| Typical Adult Size | 0.7 inches (1.8 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 8 minimum — groups of 12+ produce significantly brighter color |
| Ideal Temp | 68–82°F (20–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.0 |
| Ideal GH | 1–6 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 0–4 dKH |
| Staple Food | Sera Micron Nature (juveniles); Sera Vipan Baby (adults) |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp |
| Origin | Southern Thailand |
| Notes | Tiny mouth — Sera Micron Nature for juveniles, Sera Vipan Baby for adults. Blackwater conditions enhance color. Uncommon — genuine collector's fish. |
