Spotted Rasbora (Boraras maculatus) - Pick Up In Store Only
Also known as
Dwarf Rasbora
Maculata Rasbora
Pygmy Rasbora
Red Rasbora
Accepts nearly all kinds of food. Flakes, live food, granules, frozen food are fine.
- Size: 2.5 cm
- Water pH should be maintained within the range: 5.5 - 7.5
- Water hardness should be between: 50 - 100 PPM
- Recommended water temperature for tetra: 24 - 26 °C
- Fish temperament toward other species: peaceful
- Keeping Difficulty: Intermediate
- Feeding: Omnivore
- Fish origin: South East Asia
- Aquarium size minimum: 25L
- Top to middle of water column
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Appearance: They have a reddish-copper base colour adorned with distinctive dark spots on their body, anal fins, and tail. Males tend to be more intensely coloured and slender compared to the slightly rounder females.
- Size: True to their "dwarf" or "pygmy" common names, they remain tiny, typically reaching only 2 to 2.5 cm (around 1 inch) in length. Perfect for those smaller tanks!
- Temperament: They are known for their peaceful and somewhat shy nature. They are definitely not a boisterous fish and will thrive best in calm environments.
- Social Behaviour: Spotted Rasboras are shoaling fish and absolutely need to be kept in groups. Aim for at least 6-8 individuals, but a larger school of 10 or more will make them feel much more secure and will result in more natural and confident behaviour. You'll also see the males displaying more of their lovely colours as they subtly compete for the attention of the females within a larger group.
Tank Requirements:
- Tank Size: While a minimum of 20 litres (~5 gallons) can work for a small group, a 40-litre (around 10-gallon) tank or larger is highly recommended to provide a more stable environment and ample swimming space for a decent-sized school. Given the warmer climate in Caboolture, a slightly larger volume can also help buffer temperature fluctuations.
- Aquascaping: To truly make them feel at home, a heavily planted tank is key. Use fine-leaved plants like Java moss, Cryptocoryne, and Anubias. Floating plants are also a great addition to diffuse the often strong Australian sunlight and provide shaded areas they appreciate. Driftwood and leaf litter (like Indian Almond leaves) can further mimic their natural habitat, subtly lower the pH, and release beneficial tannins.
- Substrate: A dark-coloured, fine substrate (sand or fine gravel) will not only enhance their colours but also make them feel more secure.
- Filtration: Opt for a gentle filter like a sponge filter to avoid creating strong currents, which they dislike. Good filtration is still important for maintaining water quality, as they can be sensitive to poor conditions.
- Lighting: They prefer dim to subdued lighting, so factor this in when choosing your lighting system and the amount of floating plants.
Water Parameters (Considering Caboolture Water):
While Spotted Rasboras prefer soft, slightly acidic water (pH 5.5-7.0, soft to moderately soft water up to 12 dGH), they can often adapt to slightly wider parameters if changes are gradual and the water is clean. However, if your tap water in is particularly hard or alkaline, you might need to consider using rainwater or reverse osmosis (RO) water remineralised to the appropriate levels, especially if you plan on breeding them. Consistent water parameters are crucial for their well-being. Aim for a temperature range of 22-28°C (72-82°F), which should be manageable in Queensland, although a heater might be necessary during cooler winter nights.
Tank Mates:
Their peaceful nature means they get along well with other small, non-aggressive fish and invertebrates. Great tank mates for a Spotted Rasbora school include:
- Pygmy Corydoras (Corydoras pygmaeus, C. habrosus, C. hastatus)
- Ember Tetras (Hyphessobrycon amandae)
- Small shrimp species like Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) and Crystal Red/Black Shrimp (Caridina cantonensis) - though be aware that fry might be seen as a snack.
- Kuhli Loaches (Pangio spp.)
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Otocinclus catfish
- Other small, peaceful rasboras like Chili Rasboras (Boraras brigittae) or Emerald Dwarf Rasboras (Celestichthys erythromicron)
- Small blue-eye species (Pseudomugil spp.)
Avoid larger or boisterous fish that could stress or prey on them.
Diet in Your Aquarium:
As micro-predators, they need small foods. Offer a varied diet including:
- High-quality micro pellets or crushed flakes
- Live foods like baby brine shrimp, microworms, and vinegar eels
- Frozen foods such as cyclops and daphnia
Feed them small amounts a couple of times a day. You might find that live foods really bring out their vibrant colours.
Breeding:
Breeding them in a well-established, heavily planted tank with soft, slightly acidic water is possible. They are continuous spawners, scattering small numbers of eggs daily. In a densely planted tank, some fry might survive. For more controlled breeding:
- Set up a separate breeding tank with similar water parameters and fine-leaved plants or spawning mops.
- Introduce a well-conditioned pair or a small group.
- Remove the adults after spawning to protect the eggs.
- The tiny fry will hatch within 24-36 hours and initially need infusoria or commercially available liquid fry food, followed by baby brine shrimp as they grow.
Given the generally suitable temperatures in Caboolture, maintaining the warmer end of their preferred range (around 26-28°C) might encourage spawning.
Important Considerations:
- Water Quality: Pay close attention to your tap water parameters and be prepared to adjust them if necessary for optimal health and breeding.
- Temperature Stability: Ensure your tank has a reliable heater for cooler periods, especially overnight in winter.
