Boraras Naevus, widely celebrated as the Strawberry Rasbora, is a tiny, high-impact standout for any freshwater setup. Its vivid strawberry-red body and compact size bring color and life to even the smallest aquariums, while its peaceful demeanor makes it an ideal addition to planted nano tanks.

Why anglers and aquarists choose Boraras Naevus

This species combines dramatic color with an understated, dash-size profile. In the right habitat, the red hue deepens and glows under soft lighting, turning your aquarium into a living canvas. Boraras Naevus is highly asocial in the best possible way for a peaceful community—they school closely, creating a dynamic, shimmering display as they move through the plants and across the substrate.

Ideal tank setup and care for the Strawberry Rasbora

Tank size and environment: A 10 gallon (or larger) community tank with dense vegetation and fine-leaved plants provides shelter and foraging zones that showcase their colors. A gentle current and ample grazing areas help them feel secure and display their best color.

Lighting and color: Moderate lighting brings out the strawberry hue without stressing the fish. Avoid harsh, bright lighting that can wash out their natural tone.

Water parameters: Soft to moderately soft water with a neutral to slightly acidic pH supports vibrant coloration. Maintain stable temperatures in a comfortable range for small rasboras, typically in the mid-70s Fahrenheit (low to mid-20s Celsius).

Social needs: Keep them in groups (6+) to encourage natural schooling behavior and a more intense color display. They’re peaceful with similarly sized, non-aggressive tankmates.

Diet, feeding, and daily care

Strawberry Rasboras thrive on a varied, high-quality diet. Offer:

Micropellets or flake foods formulated for small tropical species

Alive or frozen foods in small amounts when available, such as baby brine shrimp or daphnia

Regular, small feedings multiple times a day to mimic natural foraging

Maintain water quality with routine partial water changes and regular test checks. Consistent, clean conditions unlock deeper red coloration and healthier growth in Boraras Naevus.

Why Boraras Naevus is a smart choice for your aquarium

Choosing the Strawberry Rasbora means opting for a fish that combines the charm of a robust community species with the visual punch of a compact, color-rich rasbora. Its tiny size makes it especially suitable for nano tanks, biotopes, and aquascapes where every detail matters. For hobbyists seeking a reliable, low-maintenance, high-appeal fish, Boraras Naevus delivers a noticeable payoff in color density, schooling behavior, and overall tank dynamic—without demanding specialized equipment.

Practical tips to get the most from your Boraras Naevus

Quarantine new specimens to protect your established tank and reduce stress during introduction.

Keep a consistent feeding routine and avoid overfeeding to prevent water quality issues.

Plant-rich layouts with slow-moving hiding spots help reduce stress and encourage natural schooling.