The original Strawberry Rasbora (Boraras naevus) was first documented in Thailand. This species inhabits slow-moving forest streams and shallow floodplains with soft, slightly acidic water conditions.

These environments are typically shaded by overhanging vegetation and contain leaf litter, fine substrate, and dense aquatic plant growth. Water movement is gentle, and tannins may naturally be present.

Understanding this habitat helps inform aquarium design, particularly with regard to planting density, subdued lighting, and stable water chemistry.

Aquascaping

Strawberry Rasbora (Boraras naevus) thrives in aquariums that emphasize plant density and environmental security.

• Plants: Dense stem plants, carpeting plants, and floating plants create security and encourage natural schooling behavior.

• Hardscape: Fine wood and small-scale rock structure maintain proportional aesthetics in nano aquascapes.

• Botanicals: Leaf litter may be incorporated to simulate natural forest stream conditions.

• Flow: Gentle flow is recommended. Avoid strong current in nano environments.

Heavily planted aquariums enhance coloration and reduce stress in Boraras naevus.

Diet and Feeding

Boraras naevus is a micropredator that feeds on tiny aquatic invertebrates and zooplankton in the wild.

In captivity, provide appropriately sized foods such as micro pellets, crushed flake, frozen cyclops, baby brine shrimp, and other fine frozen or live options. Due to their small mouth size, food particle size is critical.

A varied micro-diet supports coloration, immune health, and stable schooling behavior.

Tank Mates and Compatibility

Strawberry Rasboras are peaceful and best suited for nano community aquariums with similarly small, non-aggressive species.

Avoid housing with larger or boisterous fish that may intimidate or outcompete them for food. Their small size makes them vulnerable to predation in mixed-species systems.

Maintaining proper group size significantly reduces stress.

Shrimp Safe

Strawberry Rasboras are generally safe with adult Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp. However, due to their micropredatory nature, very small shrimplets may be consumed.

Heavily planted aquariums with dense cover improve compatibility in shrimp-focused systems.

Breeding

Boraras naevus is an egg-scattering species. In mature, well-planted aquariums, occasional spawning may occur, though controlled breeding typically requires a dedicated setup with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops.

Stable water parameters and dense vegetation increase breeding likelihood.

FAQ

• H

Strawberry Rasbora (Boraras naevus) thrives in aquariums that prioritize density, scale, and environmental security. Because this is a true nano schooling species, aquascape proportion and plant structure play a significant role in behavior and coloration.

• Plant Density: Heavily planted aquariums are strongly recommended. Fine-leaved stem plants, carpeting plants, and mosses provide security and encourage natural schooling behavior. Floating plants help diffuse lighting and create the shaded effect this species prefers.

• Scale and Proportion: Hardscape should remain proportional to their small adult size. Use fine-textured driftwood, smaller stones, and detailed layouts rather than oversized rock structures that visually overwhelm nano fish.

• Botanicals & Leaf Litter: Incorporating botanicals such as leaf litter can replicate forest stream environments and add environmental complexity. Mild tannins are generally well tolerated and may enhance comfort.

• Lighting: Moderate to subdued lighting enhances red coloration and reduces stress. Extremely bright, open tanks may cause timid behavior.

• Flow: Gentle water movement is ideal. Avoid strong directional current, as Boraras naevus originates from calm, slow-moving waters.

A well-structured planted aquascape not only improves visual impact but significantly increases confidence, schooling cohesion, and long-term stability in Strawberry Rasboras.

Boraras naevus is a micropredatory species that feeds on zooplankton, tiny aquatic invertebrates, and microfauna in the wild. Their extremely small mouth size makes food particle size critical.

In captivity, they readily accept:

• 
  High-quality micro pellets
  
• 
  Finely crushed flake foods
  
• 
  Frozen cyclops
  
• 
  Baby brine shrimp
  
• 
  Appropriately sized live foods
  

Frequent small feedings are preferable to large single feedings. A varied micro-diet enhances coloration, immune function, and breeding potential.

Strawberry Rasboras are peaceful and best suited for nano community aquariums with similarly small, non-aggressive species.

Ideal companions include:

• 
  Other Boraras species
  
• 
  Small rasboras
  
• 
  Micro tetras
  
• 
  Small Corydoras species
  
• 
  Peaceful shrimp colonies
  

Avoid:

• 
  Larger predatory fish
  
• 
  Aggressive species
  
• 
  Fast, food-competitive midwater fish
  

Maintaining proper group size (8–12+) dramatically improves confidence and reduces stress.

Strawberry Rasboras are peaceful nano schooling fish best suited for calm community aquariums with similarly small, non-aggressive species.

They pair well with other micro rasboras, small tetras, peaceful Corydoras, and similarly sized community fish. Avoid housing with larger, aggressive, or highly competitive species that may intimidate them or outcompete them for food.

Maintaining proper group size significantly improves confidence and overall behavior.

Boraras naevus is an egg-scattering species. In mature planted aquariums, natural spawning may occur, especially when fish are well-fed with varied micro-foods.

Eggs are typically deposited among fine-leaved plants or moss. Adults do not provide parental care and may consume eggs or fry. Dedicated breeding setups increase survival rates.

• How big does Strawberry Rasbora (Boraras naevus) get?

Boraras naevus reaches approximately 0.8–1 inch in length.

• Is Strawberry Rasbora good for a 10-gallon tank?

Yes, a 10-gallon or larger planted aquarium is appropriate when kept in groups.

• How many Strawberry Rasboras should be kept together?

Groups of at least 8 are recommended for natural schooling behavior.

• Does Boraras naevus need soft water?

Yes, they perform best in soft to moderately soft water with stable parameters.

• Do Strawberry Rasboras eat shrimp?

They are generally safe with adult shrimp but may eat very small shrimplets.

• What do Strawberry Rasboras eat?

They eat micro pellets, crushed flake, frozen cyclops, baby brine shrimp, and small live foods.

• Are Strawberry Rasboras hardy?

They are moderately hardy but require stable, established aquariums.

• Do Strawberry Rasboras need heavy planting?

Yes, dense planting significantly improves comfort and coloration.

• Can Strawberry Rasboras live with bettas?

In larger planted aquariums, compatibility may be possible with peaceful bettas, though monitoring is required.

• How long do Strawberry Rasboras live?

With proper care, they can live several years in stable freshwater aquariums.