Pygmy Spotted Rasbora
Pygmy Spotted Rasbora (Boraras maculatus) is a charming and widely available nano fish from Southeast Asia. The warm rose-red body is dotted with small dark spots along the flanks and a distinctive spot near the tail base. Males show more intense coloration than females. At under an inch, this is one of the smallest fish regularly kept in the aquarium hobby.
Feeding & Care Tip: Boraras maculatus has a tiny mouth requiring appropriately sized food. 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 2–3 times daily.
Native to slow-flowing forest streams, swamps, and peat bogs across Singapore, the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo, this species inhabits very soft, acidic, tannin-stained blackwater. A planted setup with soft slightly acidic water, dark substrate, tannin additions, and gentle filtration produces the richest coloration.
Keep in groups of at least eight, preferably twelve or more. Larger groups produce noticeably richer color and more confident behavior — males in a large group display actively. This is a timid species that does best in nano or species-specific setups.
The Pygmy Spotted Rasbora is an ideal nano planted tank fish — its manageable size, warm spotted coloration, and peaceful nature make it a natural choice for aquarists who want something beautiful in a smaller aquarium.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful — Nano Community |
| Typical Adult Size | 0.9 inches (2.3 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 8 minimum — groups of 12+ produce significantly brighter color |
| Ideal Temp | 75–79°F (24–26°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.0 |
| Ideal GH | 1–5 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 | Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, Borneo |
| Notes | Tiny mouth — Sera Micron Nature for juveniles, Sera Vipan Baby for adults. Soft acidic blackwater brings out best color. Timid — best in nano setups. |
