A tiny, peaceful shoaling fish native to the blackwater streams and peat swamps of Southeast Asia. Known for their striking red/orange coloration and distinct dark body spots. They are an excellent choice for heavily planted nano tanks and peaceful dwarf shrimp setups. Because of their minute size, they are easily outcompeted for food and predated upon by larger fish.
Dwarf Rasbora At a Glance
Dwarf Rasbora Tank Requirements
Will Dwarf Rasbora fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Dwarf Rasbora needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Dwarf Rasbora against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Dwarf Rasbora Water Parameters
Dwarf Rasbora Temperament & Compatibility
Dwarf Rasbora Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard form found in the aquarium trade. Must be kept in groups of 6 or more (ideally 10+) to feel secure, reduce stress, and display their vibrant natural red/orange coloration.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Wild Type
Dwarf Rasbora Care Guide Summary
The Dwarf Rasbora, scientifically known as Boraras maculatus, belongs to the Cyprinids family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 2.5 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level zone of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Dwarf Rasbora requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 19 litres and a tank length of at least 30 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 22°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 4.5–7 and a general hardness of 1–10 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Dwarf Rasbora is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. The Dwarf Rasbora is typically available in one standard form.
Dwarf Rasbora Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Dwarf Rasbora, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. Useful additions include leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat, dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress, and floating plants to diffuse overhead light and create shaded areas.
Dwarf Rasbora Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Dwarf Rasbora is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Dwarf Rasbora Is Actually For
Dwarf Rasbora is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide a keeper who can commit to a proper group of at least 6. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially plants.
The most common mistake is buying Dwarf Rasbora for looks first and only later discovering how its adult size, behavior, or bioload changes the whole tank plan. Another frequent problem is underestimating its social needs. A token pair or trio often behaves very differently from a real group.
Dwarf Rasbora Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Dwarf Rasbora.
5 Gallon
10 Gallon Standard
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
Show 27 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions About Dwarf Rasbora
How big does Dwarf Rasbora get?
Dwarf Rasbora (Boraras maculatus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 2.5 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Dwarf Rasbora need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 19 litres and a tank length of at least 30 cm are recommended for Dwarf Rasbora. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Dwarf Rasbora need?
Dwarf Rasbora thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 22–28°C, a pH between 4.5 and 7, and a general hardness of 1–10 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Dwarf Rasbora peaceful or aggressive?
Dwarf Rasbora is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 1 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Dwarf Rasbora should be kept together?
Dwarf Rasbora is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Dwarf Rasbora have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Dwarf Rasbora benefits from plants - densely covered, plants - floating, and leaf litter/blackwater in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Useful setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 4, 2026
- Last updated
- May 4, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Top Tank Mates for Dwarf Rasbora
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Dwarf Rasbora based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Tiger Pleco (L002)
Panaqolus sp. L002
Ideal Tank MatesStarlight Bristlenose Pleco (L183)
Ancistrus dolichopterus
Ideal Tank MatesParallel Cory
Corydoras parallelus
Ideal Tank MatesPurple Zebra Shrimp
Potamalpheops sp.
Ideal Tank MatesMarbled Whiptail
Loricaria simillima
Ideal Tank MatesLoricaria spinulifera
Loricaria spinulifera
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Dwarf Rasbora
These plants pair well with Dwarf Rasbora based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Carolina Mosquito Fern
Azolla caroliniana
Common Duckweed
Lemna minor
Crystalwort
Riccia fluitans
Fish Similar to Dwarf Rasbora
Chili Rasbora
Boraras brigittae
A striking, deeply red nano fish native to the blackwater streams and peat swamps of southern Borneo. They are extremely peaceful and require a mature, densely planted aquarium with soft, acidic water. Due to their tiny size, they are completely safe with adult dwarf shrimp and are ideal for nano setups.
Redline Rasbora
Rasbora pauciperforata
A slender, elegant schooling fish native to the blackwater peat swamps of Southeast Asia. Distinguished by a brilliant, glowing neon-red stripe running from its mouth to its tail. They are true blackwater fish, requiring soft, acidic water and plenty of tannins from leaf litter or driftwood to thrive and show their best colors. Peaceful but can be skittish if not kept in appropriately large schools with overhead cover.
Brilliant Rasbora
Rasbora einthovenii
The Brilliant Rasbora is a peaceful, highly active schooling fish native to the forest streams and peat swamps of Southeast Asia. Known for its shimmering silver body and distinct dark lateral stripe, they thrive in gently flowing, heavily planted blackwater setups with subdued lighting. They are known jumpers, requiring a tight-fitting lid.
Cherry Spot Rasbora
Rasbora rubrodorsalis
A peaceful and active nano cyprinid native to the slow-moving, heavily vegetated waters of the Mekong basin in Southeast Asia. It is characterized by a distinctive bright red spot on its dorsal fin and a dark lateral line. They are a somewhat shy but excellent shoaling species that thrives in blackwater or heavily planted setups.
Nana Rasbora
Microdevario nana
A true micro-fish endemic to Myanmar, the Nana Rasbora rarely exceeds 1.5cm (0.6 inches). They exhibit a translucent yellowish body with a subtle iridescent blue lateral stripe and a distinct black blotch on the dorsal fin. Due to their minute size, they are completely peaceful, highly shrimp-safe, and must be kept in schools of at least 6-8 in densely planted, mature aquariums. Providing leaf litter and dim lighting will help them feel secure.
Emerald Eye Rasbora
Brevibora dorsiocellata
A small, active schooling fish native to Southeast Asia, famous for the striking black-and-white spot on its dorsal fin and its reflective 'emerald' eyes. They are highly peaceful and thrive in heavily planted or blackwater aquariums. As a strict schooling species, they must be kept in groups to feel secure, establish a natural hierarchy, and display their best colors.