Boraras maculatus
Distinguished from other Boraras by the three sharp black spots — one at the gill, one mid-body, one at the tail base. Slightly more tolerant of harder water than chili or phoenix rasboras. Reads brilliantly against tannin-stained water.
Dwarf Rasbora (Boraras maculatus) reaches 1.5–2 cm as an adult and needs a minimum tank of 30 L. Native to Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo, it lives in the mid water column with a peaceful temperament. Aim for 23–28 °C, pH 5.0–7.0, and 1–8 dGH hardness. Lifespan is 3–4 years with good care. Keep dwarf rasbora in groups of 10+, yes schoolers need numbers to display natural behaviour. Diet: omnivore, Crushed flake, micro pellet, baby brine shrimp, micro worms. Plant-safe: Yes. Shrimp-safe: Yes.
Care at a glance
Distinguished from other Boraras by the three sharp black spots — one at the gill, one mid-body, one at the tail base. Slightly more tolerant of harder water than chili or phoenix rasboras. Reads brilliantly against tannin-stained water.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to aquarium fish for the planted tank.
The parameters that decide whether dwarf rasbora fits in your tank.
Mid
Yes
Group of 10+
Cyprinidae
Omnivore
Crushed flake, micro pellet, baby brine shrimp, micro worms.
3–4 yrs
Hard
Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo
Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Dwarf Rasbora (Boraras maculatus) needs a minimum tank of 30 L. They live in the mid water column and should be kept in groups of 10+, so a longer footprint matters more than depth.
Target 23–28 °C, pH 5.0–7.0, and 1–8 dGH hardness. Acclimate slowly when moving them between water sources.
Shrimp safety: Yes. Plant safety: Yes.
Dwarf Rasbora are omnivore. Crushed flake, micro pellet, baby brine shrimp, micro worms.
On Fin & Stem's 1–5 difficulty scale this species rates 3/5. Intermediate, stable parameters and a mature tank matter. Breeding difficulty: hard.
Typical lifespan in a well-maintained tank is 3–4 years.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this fish with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
