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Pygmy Rasbora
Boraras maculatus
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Cyprinidae
📍 Malay Peninsula, Sumatra & Singapore
Tiny orange-red rasbora with distinctive black spots. Often confused with Boraras brigittae but slightly larger and more orange. Perfect for blackwater nano scapes. Peaceful and undemanding.
Care Guide
Diet
Pygmy Rasboras are omnivores requiring high-quality micro foods due to their tiny mouths. Feed small amounts of crushed flakes, micro pellets, and frozen foods like brine shrimp nauplii or daphnia once daily. Supplement occasionally with live microworms or infusoria for optimal nutrition and coloration.
Behavior
These are active, schooling fish that should always be kept in groups of at least 8 to display natural behavior and reduce stress. They occupy the mid-water column, constantly foraging and darting through vegetation in a peaceful manner. They are non-aggressive and make excellent community fish for planted nano tanks.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is possible but challenging and rarely achieved by hobbyists. They require soft, acidic water (pH 4.5-6.0), dense vegetation for egg scattering, and very small live foods for fry. Success requires patience, ideal conditions, and careful fry rearing with infusoria as first food.
Tank Mates
Similar size and peaceful temperament; both prefer soft, acidic water and planted tanks
Nano-friendly, share same water parameters, and won't predate on adult rasboras
Closely related species with identical care requirements and compatible schooling behavior
Similar size and peaceful nature; both thrive in blackwater nano setups
Tiny, peaceful, and compatible with soft water conditions; minimal bioload
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 tsp per 5 gallons) or ich medication; treat for 7-10 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or disintegrating fins, white or black edges on fins, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent partial changes, remove uneaten food, treat with antibacterial medication if severe; ensure good filtration
Bacterial Infection
Red streaks on body, swollen belly, loss of appetite, cloudy eyes
Perform 50% water change immediately, maintain pristine water conditions, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication; isolate if possible
Parasitic Infection
Excessive scratching, white film on body, clamped fins, weight loss
Treat with anti-parasitic medication, increase aeration, perform daily water changes; quarantine affected fish if in community tank
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Quick Facts
- pH
- 4.0–7.0
- diet
- omnivore/micro food
- maxSize
- 1 inch
- minTankSize
- 5 gallons
- temperature
- 73–82°F (23–28°C)
Temperature
73–82°F
23–28°C