Phoenix Rasbora

The Phoenix Rasbora (Boraras merah) is a freshwater schooling fish valued for its bright red base color and broken dark lateral line, giving each fish a high-contrast profile. Native to Southeast Asia (Borneo), this species is popular in planted community aquariums because it combines visual impact with manageable care requirements. Its coloration adds immediate visual warmth to low-volume planted systems.

Appearance and Coloration

Phoenix Rasbora is known for clean pattern definition and color response that improves under stable water quality, varied feeding, and proper group size. In mature planted aquariums, the body pattern reads clearly even during fast schooling movement.

Size and Lifespan

• Adult size: 2 cm (0.8 inches)
• Typical lifespan: 3-5 years with stable parameters and quality diet
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Ideal Aquarium Setup

This species performs best in a biologically mature aquarium that prioritizes oxygenation and stable chemistry.

• Tank size: 10 gallons (38 L)
• Temperature: 20-28 C (68-82 F)
• pH: 4.0-7.0
• Aquascape direction: mature planted nanos with botanicals and dim-to-moderate light

Behavior and Temperament

Phoenix Rasbora is a delicate nano schooling fish that becomes bolder in larger groups. Keep groups of at least 10+ individuals so hierarchy and movement are distributed naturally. Good companion options include micro rasboras, tiny peaceful fish, and shrimp-friendly companions.

Diet and Feeding

Phoenix Rasbora is classified here as Micropredator. Build a varied schedule with high-quality staple foods, plus frozen or live options several times per week. A rotating diet supports immunity, activity, and stronger display color.

Breeding Notes

Most cyprinids in this group are egg scatterers. Conditioning with diverse foods and offering fine-leaved plants or spawning media can improve egg survival. If breeding is the goal, move adults after spawning to reduce egg predation.

Why Keep Phoenix Rasbora in a Planted Aquarium?

Phoenix Rasbora provides movement, contrast, and schooling structure that helps a layout feel alive without overpowering the design. For aquascaping-focused community tanks, it is a practical and visually rewarding choice.