Dwarf Rasbora - Rasbora maculata

Dwarf Rasbora (Boraras maculatus)

The Dwarf Rasbora, Boraras maculatus, is a tiny, peaceful Southeast Asian nano fish with a warm red to orange body, dark side spots and delicate shoaling behaviour. Still sometimes seen under the older name Rasbora maculata, this miniature species is ideal for mature planted nano aquariums, blackwater-style layouts and calm community tanks with very small tank mates. It is best kept in a proper group, where its colour, confidence and natural movement become much more noticeable.

Common Name:
Dwarf Rasbora, Spotted Rasbora, Pygmy Rasbora, Maculatus Rasbora.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Boraras maculatus
Formerly known as Rasbora maculata.

Maximum Size:
Usually around 2–2.5 cm.

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Native to Southeast Asia, including Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Singapore and nearby regions. In the wild, Dwarf Rasboras inhabit quiet forest streams, peat swamps and slow-flowing acidic waters, often among leaf litter, roots, submerged vegetation and shaded marginal cover.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 23–27°C
pH Range: 5.0–7.0
Hardness or Salinity: Soft freshwater preferred; avoid hard, alkaline conditions where possible. Stable, clean water is essential.

Temperament:
Very peaceful and shy. Dwarf Rasboras are best kept with tiny, calm tank mates and should not be housed with large, boisterous or predatory fish. They can become nervous if kept in small numbers or in bright, open aquariums without cover.

Diet:
Omnivorous micro-predator. In nature, this species feeds on tiny worms, small crustaceans and other minute invertebrates. In the aquarium, offer very fine crushed flakes, micro pellets, powdered foods, frozen cyclops, daphnia, baby brineshrimp, microworms and other suitably tiny foods. Their mouths are very small, so food size is important.

Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum of 40 litres is recommended for a group, with 60 litres or more preferred for a larger shoal or mixed nano community. Although very small, they do best in stable, mature aquariums rather than tiny unstable setups.

Behaviour & Activity:
A gentle mid-to-upper level shoaling fish that spends much of its time moving between plants, open water and shaded areas. Keep at least 8–10 individuals, with larger groups preferred for confidence and natural behaviour. In a settled group, males may intensify in colour and display subtly to one another. Floating plants, dark substrate and leaf litter help them feel secure and show better colour.

Aquarium Category:
Community Fish
Suitable for peaceful nano communities with other tiny species such as small Boraras, Ember Tetras, Celestial Pearl Danios with care, tiny Corydoras-type catfish, Otocinclus, peaceful snails and dwarf shrimp with caution. Avoid angelfish, gouramis large enough to eat them, larger barbs, aggressive cichlids, fin-nippers and fast-feeding fish that may outcompete them.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best kept in a mature, densely planted aquarium with gentle filtration, subdued lighting and stable water quality. They are not suitable for brand-new tanks or harsh water conditions. Leaf litter, botanicals and soft acidic water can help create a natural blackwater-style environment, but avoid sudden changes. A secure lid is recommended, as small rasboras can jump when startled.

Suitable for:
Intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Occasional in trade / Often captive-bred or farmed where relevant

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.