Fish comparison
Dwarf Rasbora vs Phoenix Rasbora
How the Dwarf Rasbora and Phoenix Rasbora compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which fish suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Dwarf Rasbora vs Phoenix Rasbora
The Dwarf Rasbora and the Phoenix Rasbora are close cousins, both in the Boraras group, so at a glance they ask for a lot of the same things. Both are happy somewhere around 23 to 28 °C and pH 5 to 6.5, so a single tank can suit either one. Neither is harder than the other to keep, so the choice comes down to look and stocking rather than skill. Read the full care notes on each below and pick the one whose look and pace fit the tank you're building.
Group compatibility overview
Excellent fit
Every key parameter overlaps and no major conflicts surfaced.
4 notes
Temperature
- Dwarf Rasbora23–28 °C
- Phoenix Rasbora23–28 °C
pH
- Dwarf Rasbora5–7
- Phoenix Rasbora4.5–6.5
Hardness
- Dwarf Rasbora1–8 dGH
- Phoenix Rasbora0–6 dGH
What to plan for
- Dwarf Rasbora schools, stock at least 10You've planned for 1 dwarf rasbora. Dwarf Rasbora need a group of at least 10 to feel safe and shoal naturally, below that they're stressed and lose colour. Dial up the count, or remove the species.
- Phoenix Rasbora schools, stock at least 10You've planned for 1 phoenix rasbora. Phoenix Rasbora need a group of at least 10 to feel safe and shoal naturally, below that they're stressed and lose colour. Dial up the count, or remove the species.
- No bottom teamNo bottom-dwelling fish or shrimp. A small group of corydoras or a shrimp colony picks up leftover food and keeps detritus in check.
- 100% of your fish swim in the midHeavy concentration in a single zone. Spreading stocking across all three levels makes the tank read fuller for the same bioload.
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  FishDwarf RasboraBoraras maculatus |  FishPhoenix RasboraBoraras merah |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Fish | Fish |
| Origin | Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo | Borneo, peat swamps |
| Family | Cyprinidae | Cyprinidae |
| Temperature | 23–28 °C | 23–28 °C |
| pH | 5.0–7.0 | 4.5–6.5 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 1–8 | 0–6 |
| Flow rate | Very low | Very low |
| Min tank | 30 L | 30 L |
| Adult size | 1.5–2 cm | 1.5–2 cm |
| Difficulty | 3 / 5 | 3 / 5 |
| Lifespan | 3–4 yrs | 3–4 yrs |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore |
| Water column | Mid | Mid |
| Schooling | Yes | Yes |
| Plant safe | Yes | Yes |
| Shrimp safe | Yes | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Dwarf Rasbora and Phoenix Rasbora together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 23 to 28 °C and pH 5 to 6.5, so one set of water conditions keeps both comfortable. Match group sizes and cover the usual planted-tank basics and they share a tank fine.
Which is easier to keep, the Dwarf Rasbora or the Phoenix Rasbora?
They sit at the same care level, both middle-of-the-road, so neither is the obvious beginner pick. The decision is really about the look you're after.
Do Dwarf Rasbora and Phoenix Rasbora need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 23 to 28 °C and pH 5 to 6.5 and you're in the shared sweet spot for both. Full ranges are in the table above.
What's the main difference between the Dwarf Rasbora and the Phoenix Rasbora?
It comes down to look, size and pace rather than one being flatly better. The table above lays the numbers out row by row.