Rasboras are elegant, peaceful schooling fish that are perfect for planted aquariums and community setups. From tiny Chili Rasboras ideal for nano tanks to the striking Harlequin Rasbora, these active fish add colour, movement and natural schooling behaviour to aquariums of all sizes.

Why You'll Love Rasboras

• Peaceful schooling fish suitable for community aquariums
• Many species are perfect for nano tanks
• Beautiful colours ranging from vibrant reds to shimmering metallics
• Excellent companions for shrimp and other peaceful fish
• Ideal for heavily planted aquascapes

Creating the Ideal Home

Tank Size

Smaller species such as Chili Rasboras can thrive in aquariums from 20 litres, while larger species like Harlequin Rasboras and Scissortail Rasboras are better suited to aquariums from 60 litres or larger.

Temperature

Most Rasboras thrive between 23–27°C with stable tropical water conditions.

Water Quality

• Ammonia: 0 ppm
• Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: ideally below 20 ppm
• pH: 6.0–7.5

Rasboras appreciate mature, fully cycled aquariums with excellent water quality and regular maintenance.

Filtration

Gentle to moderate water movement is ideal. Clean, well-oxygenated water encourages vibrant colours and active schooling behaviour.

Aquascaping

Rasboras truly shine in planted aquariums with driftwood, floating plants and dark substrates. Dense planting around the edges combined with open swimming areas allows schools to display their natural behaviour.

Feeding

Rasboras are omnivores that enjoy a varied diet consisting of both prepared and live foods.

• Premium micro pellets
• High-quality flakes
• Baby brine shrimp
• Daphnia
• Microworms
• Frozen cyclops and bloodworms (for larger species)

A varied diet helps maintain vibrant colours, healthy growth and natural breeding behaviour.

Suitable Tank Mates

Rasboras are among the best community fish available and mix well with many peaceful species.

• Corydoras
• Otocinclus
• Celestial Pearl Danios
• Honey Gouramis
• Sparkling Gouramis
• Small Rainbowfish
• Freshwater Shrimp
• Peaceful Snails

Avoid keeping Rasboras with aggressive fish or large predatory species that may view them as food.

Popular Rasbora Species

• Harlequin Rasbora
• Lambchop Rasbora
• Espei Rasbora
• Chili Rasbora
• Phoenix Rasbora
• Mosquito Rasbora
• Emerald Eye Rasbora
• Scissortail Rasbora
• Brilliant Rasbora

Rasbora FAQs

How many Rasboras should I keep?

Rasboras are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least six. Schools of ten or more display the most natural behaviour and create an impressive display.

Are Rasboras good for beginners?

Yes. Many species, particularly Harlequin Rasboras, are hardy, peaceful and make excellent beginner fish for established aquariums.

Can Rasboras live with shrimp?

Most smaller Rasboras coexist well with adult dwarf shrimp. Baby shrimp may occasionally be eaten, so dense mosses and plants are recommended if breeding shrimp.

Do Rasboras need plants?

Live plants aren't essential, but they greatly enhance colouration, reduce stress and encourage natural schooling behaviour.

Are all Rasboras suitable for nano aquariums?

No. While species such as Chili Rasboras are perfect for nano tanks, larger species like Scissortail Rasboras require significantly more swimming space.