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Neon Rasbora
Sundadanio axelrodi
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Cyprinidae
📍 Mekong Basin, Southeast Asia
Sundadanio axelrodi, the Neon Rasbora (also called Axelrod's Rasbora), is a stunning nano fish from Borneo and Sumatra whose body radiates intense neon-blue to blue-green iridescence along its flanks. At just 2 cm (0.8 in) it ranks among the smallest cyprinids, requiring soft blackwater conditions similar to its peat swamp habitat. Its striking colour and active schooling behaviour make it a prized centrepiece in nano planted aquariums.
Care Guide
Diet
Neon Rasboras are carnivorous and require small live or frozen foods such as micro worms, baby brine shrimp, and daphnia. High-quality micro pellets designed for nano fish can supplement live foods. Feed small amounts once daily, offering only what they can consume in a few minutes to maintain water quality in small tanks.
Behavior
These fish are highly active schoolers that display their brilliant neon-blue coloration most vividly when kept in groups of 10 or more. They are peaceful and spend most of their time in mid-water zones, darting and weaving through plants in constant motion. They are best suited to species-specific or carefully curated nano community tanks and may become stressed or lose color in larger, more aggressive setups.
Breeding
Breeding Neon Rasboras in captivity is difficult and rarely achieved in home aquariums. They require very soft, acidic blackwater conditions with dense vegetation and stable temperatures around 24–25 °C. Fry are extremely small and require infusoria or liquid fry food; success requires dedicated breeding tanks and expert-level care.
Tank Mates
Peaceful algae eater with identical soft water requirements and non-aggressive temperament
Similar size, peaceful schooling behavior, and preference for soft acidic water
Peaceful invertebrate that thrives in soft water; may predate tiny fry but safe with adults
Low-growing plant that provides cover and mimics natural blackwater habitat
Dense moss provides shelter and spawning sites; thrives in soft acidic conditions
Tiny, peaceful fish with similar nano tank requirements and non-competitive feeding
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Raise temperature gradually to 28–29 °C over 24 hours and maintain for 7–10 days; use aquarium salt at half-dose for sensitive nano fish; perform daily 25% water changes
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration, lethargy
Perform 50% water change immediately, improve water quality, reduce stocking density, and treat with antibacterial medication if severe; ensure pristine water parameters
Bacterial Infection
Cloudy eyes, open sores, loss of color, clamped fins, rapid breathing
Perform daily 30% water changes, maintain optimal water parameters (pH 4.0–6.5, ammonia 0 ppm), and consider broad-spectrum antibacterial treatment in severe cases
Stress-Related Color Loss
Fading of neon-blue coloration, hiding behavior, reduced activity
Ensure group size of at least 10 fish, provide dense vegetation for security, maintain stable soft acidic water, and minimize tank disturbances
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Carnivore – micro worms, baby brine shrimp, micro pellets
- lifespan
- 3–5 years
- max size
- 2 cm (0.8 in)
- tank size
- 5 gallons minimum
- school size
- 10+
- temperament
- Peaceful, schooling; species tank or nano community only
Water it likes
- ph
- 4.0–6.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <10 ppm
- hardness
- 0–4 dGH
- temperature
- 72–79°F (22–26°C)