Dwarf Rasbora

Boraras maculatus

The Dwarf Rasbora (*Boraras maculatus*) is the type species of the Boraras genus and a pioneer among micro-fish for nano aquariums. It barely reaches 2 cm (0.8 inches) in length and, unlike its Chili cousin (*B. brigittae*) which sports marked stripes, the Maculata has an adorable stocky copper or strawberry-colored body, embellished by an unmistakable large black "eye" (macula) on the flank, one at the base of the anal fin and one at the root of the tail. Once very common, it requires just as much attention and extreme requirements as its Chili cousin, but offering a dynamic play of colored reflections.

Family: Danionidae
Origin: Asia (Corsi d'acqua nera molto ombreggiati, stagni e foreste torbiere nel Sud della Malesia e Singapore)
Tank use: Used in 0 tanks

Temperature

24 °C - 28 °C

4 - 6.5

Water type

Freshwater

Tank level

Zona media e inferiore. A differenza della B. brigittae che spesso nuota alta, le Maculate tendono a indugiare più vicine al fondale protetto da legni e foglie.

Adult size

2 cm

Description

The Dot Confusion (Maculatus vs Naevus):

Another great commercial trick is selling the very recent *Boraras naevus* (Strawberry Rasbora) as Maculata. The difference? The true *maculatus* is generally dark copper red and its black spot in the center of the body is round and smaller than its eye. The *naevus* (which costs much more) is a bright neon strawberry red and its central black spot in the male is abnormal, almost as large as the entire space on the flank.

Care and observations

Total Vulnerability Rule:

Do not be fooled by clerks who tell you "they go well with everything". *Boraras maculatus* are microscopic prey fish for the entire tropical ecosystem. Seemingly harmless fish like Zebra Danios, Angelfish, large Tetras (Neons included) and Gouramis will hunt and tear them apart in the dark of night or keep them in a state of pure terror. This fish MUST LIVE EXCLUSIVELY in specific tanks with fish as big as it is or with ornamental shrimp (Neocaridina).

Strict "Blackwater" Habitat:

If you want to see them red instead of grey, stop using hard tap water. They have a vital need for acidic waters loaded with tannins extracted from bogwood leaves. In nature, they literally live in dark-colored, highly acidic water (pH between 4.0 and 6.0). An air-driven filter covered by a large sponge is mandatory, because strong hang-on-back filters or motorized jets will destroy their poor musculature making them exhausted.

Feeding the Microbe:

Commercial flakes rubbed between fingers are insufficient and too hard. They must eat extremely fine food like Artemia nauplii, tiny live or frozen worms (Cyclops). Insufficient or incorrect feeding is the main cause of the so-called "wasting syndrome" from which these nano fish suffer a month after purchase.

Fish profile

Temperament: Timidissimo, tranquillo e pacifico. I maschi mostrano un notevole esibizionismo tra di loro (sparring) quando si sentono al sicuro tra i rami.
Diet: Micro-predatore. Le loro bocche sono grandi quanto la punta di un ago. Vanno nutrite preferibilmente con alimenti vivi per innescare i riflessi di caccia (anguillule dell'aceto, parameci, microworms) integrando con finissimi mangimi in polvere secca specifici per micro-pesci.
Tank level: Zona media e inferiore. A differenza della B. brigittae che spesso nuota alta, le Maculate tendono a indugiare più vicine al fondale protetto da legni e foglie.
Minimum group: 10
Adult size: 2 cm
Minimum tank: 20 L
GH: 1 dGH - 5 dGH
KH: n/a
TDS: n/a
Conductivity: n/a
Sex ratio: Gruppi numerosi misti. I maschi hanno una colorazione rosso mattone molto più satura, specialmente sulle pinne, e sono nettamente più piccoli e snelli delle femmine dal ventre rotondo color sabbia rosata.
Feeding frequency: Piccole dosi 2 volte al giorno, avendo cura di variare costantemente per evitare deficienze immunitarie in fisici così deboli.
Bioload: Bassissimo
Flow: Corrente Nulla. Tollerano malissimo i getti dei filtri a motore classici; usare filtri a spugna ad aria compressa.
Reproduction: Difficile nei parametri. Sono dispersori continui e rilasciano poche uova adesive sulle foglie. Come tutte le Boraras, i genitori non proteggono ma ignorano o predano le uova. Un intrico fitto di muschi sul fondo è l'unica salvezza per le larve minuscole in assenza di allestimenti specifici.
Compatibility: NON compatibili con acquari di comunità generalisti. La combo perfetta (e unica sicura) è un Nano-Acquario con folte colonie di Caridine Nane (Red Cherry, Crystal Red), lumache e micro-pesci come *Corydoras hastatus* o *Dario dario*.

Image gallery

Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.