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.
Updated 1 min read
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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.
Weighing it against something similar? Compare Dwarf Rasbora head to head:
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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.
