Strawberry Rasbora
Strawberry Rasbora
Strawberry Rasbora (Boraras naevus) is a delicate and strikingly beautiful nano fish from the peat swamp forests of Thailand — the pale pink to strawberry-red body is scattered with vivid dark spots that create the spotted pattern suggesting a strawberry surface. Naevus means 'spot' or 'birthmark' in Latin, referencing the characteristic body spots. One of the rarer Boraras species in the trade.
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 in a blackwater nano setup. The strawberry-red and spotted coloration is most vivid in soft, acidic water with tannin additions. Compatible only with other nano species. A planted aquarium with fine-leaved plants, floating plants for shade, and dark substrate brings out the best color.
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. Less commonly available than the Chili Rasbora, making it a genuine collector find among Boraras enthusiasts.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy — Moderate |
| Temperament | Peaceful — nano blackwater community |
| Typical Adult Size | 0.8 inches (2.0 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 10 minimum |
| Ideal Temp | 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 4.0–7.0 |
| Ideal GH | 0–10 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 0–5 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Micro Pellets (crushed/soaked); Sera Vipan Baby |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp; Hikari Frozen Daphnia |
| Origin | Southern Thailand — peat swamp forests |
| Notes | Naevus = 'spot/birthmark'. Pale pink to strawberry-red with dark spots. Rarer than Chili Rasbora. Soft acidic tannin water produces best color. |
