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.
Nana Rasbora At a Glance
Nana Rasbora Tank Requirements
Will Nana Rasbora fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Nana Rasbora needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Nana Rasbora against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Nana Rasbora Water Parameters
Nana Rasbora Temperament & Compatibility
Nana Rasbora Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard and only form found in the aquarium trade. A true schooling micro-fish; keeping them in larger groups (10+) drastically reduces their natural shyness and encourages shoaling behavior.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Wild Type
Nana Rasbora Care Guide Summary
The Nana Rasbora, scientifically known as Microdevario nana, belongs to the Cyprinids family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 1.5 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and surface zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Nana Rasbora requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 45 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 20°C and 27°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 1–12 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
The Nana Rasbora is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The Nana Rasbora is typically available in one standard form.
Nana Rasbora Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Nana Rasbora, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and surface zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise adequate surface area with floating cover to make them feel secure near the waterline and 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 and dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress.
Nana Rasbora Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Nana 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. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and surface zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Nana Rasbora Is Actually For
Nana 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 Nana 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.
Nana Rasbora Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Nana Rasbora.
10 Gallon Standard
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
Show 22 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions About Nana Rasbora
How big does Nana Rasbora get?
Nana Rasbora (Microdevario nana) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 1.5 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Nana Rasbora need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 45 cm are recommended for Nana Rasbora. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Nana Rasbora need?
Nana Rasbora thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 20–27°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 1–12 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Nana Rasbora peaceful or aggressive?
Nana Rasbora is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 0 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Nana Rasbora should be kept together?
Nana 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 Nana Rasbora have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Nana Rasbora benefits from plants - densely covered 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 6, 2026
- Last updated
- May 6, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Top Tank Mates for Nana Rasbora
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Nana Rasbora based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Trapdoor Snail
Cipangopaludina chinensis
Ideal Tank MatesGolden Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus sp. L144
Ideal Tank MatesMalaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Melanoides tuberculata
Ideal Tank MatesAssassin Snail
Anentome helena
Ideal Tank MatesBristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus cf. cirrhosus
Ideal Tank MatesSnowball Shrimp
Neocaridina cf. zhangjiajiensis var. white
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Nana Rasbora
These plants pair well with Nana 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
Beckett's Water Trumpet
Cryptocoryne beckettii
Broad-leaved Crypt
Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia
Carolina Fanwort
Cabomba caroliniana
Fish Similar to Nana Rasbora
Dwarf Rasbora
Boraras maculatus
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.
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.
Red Dwarf Rasbora
Microrasbora rubescens
A stunning but rare nano species endemic to Lake Inle, Myanmar. Unlike most rasboras that prefer soft acidic water, this species strictly requires harder, alkaline water (pH 7.5+) to thrive and display its vibrant orange-red coloration. They are peaceful, active schoolers that must be kept in large groups in planted aquariums.
Rummynose Rasbora
Sawbwa resplendens
An active, striking nano fish endemic to Inle Lake in Myanmar. Uniquely, they are completely scaleless. They strictly require hard, alkaline water to thrive and are sensitive to medications due to their lack of scales. They are schooling fish that must be kept in groups to feel secure and display their best behavior.
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Microdevario kubotai
A brilliant neon-green nano schooling fish native to the slow-to-moderate rivers of Thailand and Myanmar. Despite their tiny size, they are highly active, darting swimmers that require plenty of horizontal swimming space and well-oxygenated water. They are strictly shoaling fish and must be kept in groups to feel secure and display their best colors.
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Danio margaritatus
A breathtaking nano fish native to small, vegetated ponds in Myanmar. They feature a midnight blue body covered in pearlescent spots with striking red and black striped fins. CPDs are notoriously shy and require heavily planted aquariums to feel secure. Males will constantly display and mock-spar with each other, so a larger group is essential to disperse this behavior.