Strawberry Rasbora

Native to the coastal lowland streams of Thailand, Boraras naevus is one of the most visually striking micro fish available to hobbyists. At just 1.5cm fully grown, it's among the tiniest vertebrates you can keep in a planted tank. The body is a warm pinkish-red, and a single dark blotch sits mid-body, which is where the species name 'naevus' (meaning birthmark or spot) comes from. Under good lighting in a densely planted tank, a school of these fish genuinely glows.

They come from blackwater environments with extremely soft, acidic water, heavy leaf litter, tannin staining, and minimal current. Replicating these conditions isn't optional for long-term health. pH below 6.5 and very soft water are where they thrive. A well-maintained blackwater biotope with Indian almond leaves, driftwood, and fine-leaved plants like java moss or riccia gives them the security and chemistry they need.

Feeding takes a bit more thought than most fish this popular. They have tiny mouths and cannot eat most standard flake or pellet foods. Micro-foods are required: vinegar eels, microworms, banana worms, and finely crushed micro-pellets are all good options. Frozen baby brine shrimp works well once they're settled in.

They're completely peaceful and pose no threat to anything in a properly scaled community. The challenge is finding tankmates small enough to not pose a threat to them. A species-only setup or a carefully curated nano community is usually the best approach.

Browse real tank builds with Boraras naevus to see how hobbyists have pulled off some spectacular aquascapes around this tiny fish.