Strawberry Rasbora

Description

Strawberry Rasbora

The Strawberry Rasbora (Boraras naevus) is a captivating nano fish renowned for its vivid coloration and peaceful demeanor. Native to Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, Malaysia, and Sumatra, it thrives in aquariums that replicate its natural habitat.

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🐠 Appearance & Size

• Size: Typically reaches about 0.7 inches (1.8 cm) in length.

• Coloration: Males exhibit a vibrant red body with a prominent black spot near the tail, especially during breeding. Females are slightly larger and have a more subdued coloration.

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🌿 Habitat & Tank Setup

• Tank Size: A minimum of 5 gallons (19 liters) is suitable for a small group, but a 10-gallon or larger tank is recommended to accommodate a school and provide stable water conditions.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)

  • pH: 5.0–7.0 (slightly acidic)

  • Hardness: Very soft to moderately soft (1–8 dGH)

• Filtration & Flow: Utilize a gentle sponge or internal filter with low flow, as strong currents can stress them.

• Aquascaping: Incorporate fine gravel or sand substrate, dense planting, floating plants, and leaf litter to mimic their natural environment.

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🐟 Behavior & Social Needs

• Temperament: Peaceful and shy; best kept in groups of at least 6, with 12 or more being ideal to encourage natural schooling behavior.

• Tank Mates: Compatible with other small, peaceful species like Ember Tetras, Sparkling Gouramis, and dwarf shrimp. Avoid larger or aggressive fish that may outcompete them for food.

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🥗 Diet

• Diet: Omnivorous; prefers a carnivorous diet.

• Foods: High-quality micro-pellets, finely crushed flakes, and live or frozen foods such as daphnia, baby brine shrimp, microworms, and finely chopped bloodworms.

• Feeding Frequency: Feed 1–2 times per day with small portions they can consume within a few minutes.

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🧬 Breeding

• Breeding Behavior: Egg scatterers; both parents may consume the eggs, so it’s advisable to remove them after spawning.

• Breeding Setup: Use a separate tank with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Maintain a slightly higher temperature and provide low light conditions.

• Fry Care: Eggs hatch in 24–36 hours; fry can be fed infusoria or commercial fry foods until large enough to eat baby brine shrimp or microworms.

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🧼 Care Tips

• Water Quality: Maintain stable water conditions with regular water changes to prevent stress and disease.

• Tank Maintenance: Avoid overfeeding and remove any uneaten food promptly to maintain water quality.

• Lighting: Provide low to moderate lighting; floating plants can help diffuse light and create a more natural environment.