Strawberry Rasbora - Boraras naevus : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Strawberry Rasbora (Boraras naevus) is a magnificent nano fish that has captured the hearts of aquarists worldwide. Its stunning schooling behaviour, peaceful temperament, and petite size make it an excellent addition to any community aquarium, particularly planted aquariums. These little wonders are safe to keep with other small, peaceful fish, and their friendly nature makes them suitable tankmates for Dwarf Shrimp and other larger, peaceful invertebrates. However, it is not recommended to keep them in a community tank.
These placid shoaling specimens exhibit a degree of timidity; thus, it is advisable to maintain a substantial group comprising 12 or more individuals to foster a heightened sense of security among them. Augmenting the group size also yields a more authentic and visually appealing shoal, where the males are incentivized to exhibit their most vibrant hues as they engage in competition for female recognition. In other words, the more you have, the more breathtaking your aquarium will look.
A well-established and mature aquarium is essential, featuring an array of concealed spaces strategically positioned amidst driftwood and lush vegetation. This botanical composition, which may encompass floating plant species to diffuse lighting, ensures an environment conducive to the well-being of the aquatic inhabitants. Adequate filtration, characterized by effective filtration processes, should be employed while maintaining a gentle water movement to create a harmonious aquatic habitat.
It is easy to confuse this species with the Chili Rasbora, as they bear a striking resemblance. However, the Strawberry Rasbora is set apart by a large black spot situated in the centre of its body, along with two smaller dark dots. One dot can be found at the base of the tail, and the other is located at the caudal fin's base. Additionally, males exhibit a bright, ruby colouration that adds to their charm.
Strawberry Rasbora Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Discerning the sex of Strawberry Rasboras is a relatively simple task. Males tend to be slimmer and exhibit a more intense and vibrant colouration compared to females. On the other hand, females are generally larger and rounder, with a more subdued colouration than their male counterparts. Additionally, the dark spot located on the fish 's flanks is notably more prominent in males than in females. These distinctions are essential considerations for aquarists interested in breeding and maintaining a healthy population of this species.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Boraras naevus |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 2011 |
| Other Names | None |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Boraras |
| Origins | Thailand |
| Max Size | 2 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 8+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 8 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 4.0 - 7.0 |
| GH | 3 - 12 |
| ℉ | 68 - 82 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 20 - 27 |
Natural Habitat
The Strawberry Rasboras is a fascinating and unique species of fish that is native to the beautiful Surat Thani province in southern Peninsular Thailand, which is located in Southeast Asia. These stunning fish thrive in shallow, slow-flowing waters found in swamps, marshes, and rice paddies. The water in these areas is typically acidic and rich in tannins, which gives the water a beautiful, reddish-brown colouration. Additionally, these waters are heavily vegetated with leaf litter, providing the perfect environment for the Strawberry Rasboras to call home.
Breeding
The breeding behaviour of Strawberry Rasboras is typical of most small Cyprinids as they continuously scatter their eggs, and both parents lack parental care, which can lead to the consumption of their eggs. To increase the chances of breeding success, a more supervised and controlled approach is required. Place 2 to 3 pairs of adult fish in a separate breeding tank and condition them with a diet rich in live or frozen food for optimal spawning results. For better results, place the breeding tank in an area with low light and cover the bottom with plastic mesh to prevent the fish from reaching and consuming the fallen eggs.
Maintain a slightly higher-than-usual temperature range and use a small air-powered sponge filter to ensure optimal water quality. Adding Java moss or spawning mops to the aquarium is also recommended. After spawning, expect the eggs to hatch in two or three days. The fry will consume their yolk sacs for approximately another 24 hours before requiring microscopic food. Newly hatched microworms and brine shrimp are suitable food options for the fry after one week to ten days.
Diet & Feeding
Providing a varied diet for Strawberry Rasboras is essential for maintaining their health and vibrant colouration in the aquarium. Although they will accept high-quality dried foods such as flakes and granules of a suitable size, it is best to supplement their diet with small live and frozen fares such as artemia, microworms, tubifex, finely chopped bloodworm, or daphnia. A diverse diet will also encourage breeding conditions for the fish, making them more likely to produce healthy offspring. Therefore, providing regular meals of small live and frozen fares will help you maintain your fish 's optimal health, activity and beauty.
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