Red Mini Rasbora

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Boraras naevus
• Common Name: Red Mini Rasbora
• Adult Size: 1.2 to 1.5 cm (approximately 0.5 to 0.6 inches)
• Life Expectancy: 3 to 5 years with good care
• Habitat: Small, shallow forest streams and peat swamps in southern Thailand. These waters are often soft, acidic, warm, and rich in tannins from leaf litter and organic debris.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallons (ideally 10+ gallons for a group)
• Ideal Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)
• pH Range: 5.0–7.0
• Water Hardness: 1–8 dGH (soft water preferred)
• Temperament: Very peaceful, shy, and social. Should be kept in groups of 8 or more. Best suited for nano tanks or peaceful community setups with similarly sized species.

Diet & Nutrition

• Omnivorous: Yes. In the wild, feeds on tiny invertebrates and micro-organisms. In captivity:

  • Offer high-quality micro-pellets or crushed flake food
  • Supplement with live or frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, or microworms
  • Occasional algae or spirulina-based foods for balance

Appearance

• Body Color: Translucent to reddish-orange with a prominent red hue when healthy
• Markings: Notable black or dark red spot near the tail base (the species name naevus means “spot”)
• Size: One of the smallest aquarium fish, with a very delicate and fine-bodied structure

Distinctive Features

• Exceptionally small size—ideal for nano tanks
• Deep red coloration develops in well-maintained, tannin-rich setups
• Tail spot and overall coloring make them visually striking despite their tiny size
• Requires gentle filtration and plenty of cover (plants, leaf litter) due to their shyness