Phoenix Rasbora
Boraras merah
Synonyms Merah rasbora
Phoenix Rasbora (Boraras merah) is a peaceful freshwater fish that reaches about 2 cm (0.8 in) and swims in open water in a shoal. It wants 75–82°F (24–28°C) and pH 4–7, is kept in groups of 10 or more, and needs a tank of at least 30 L (8 gal).
At a glance
| Type | Fish |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 2 cm (0.8 in) |
| Minimum tank | 30 L (8 gal) |
| Group size | 10 or more |
| Temperature | 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
| pH | 4–7 |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| GH | 1–5 |
| Eats shrimp | No |
Before it goes in
- Phoenix Rasbora needs at least 30 L (8 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the Dennerle Nano Cube 30L.
- Keep 10 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
- It leaves shrimp and small fish alone.
- It is the wrong size to share a tank with Goldfish, Angelfish and Axolotl: it ends up as food.
- It holds at 75–82°F (24–28°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Goldfish and Dojo Loach.
- Sources say not to put it in a newly set-up tank — give the tank a few months first.
- A group of 10 takes up roughly 53% of what a Dennerle Nano Cube 30L will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.
What tank size does it need?
At least 30 L (8 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the Dennerle Nano Cube 30L.
How many should I keep?
10 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.
Will it eat shrimp?
No — adult shrimp and their young are both safe with it.
What water does it want?
75–82°F (24–28°C), pH 4–7, GH 1–5.
Can it go in a new tank?
No. Sources say not to add it to a newly set-up tank — it wants a tank that has been running for months.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Cherry Shrimp, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly and Otocinclus.
- Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
Often compared with
| Phoenix Rasbora | Chili Rasbora | Dwarf Spotted Rasbora | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 2 cm | 2 cm | 2.5 cm |
| Min tank | 30 L | 30 L | 41 L |
| Group | 10+ | 10+ | 8+ |
| Temperature | 75–82°F (24–28°C) | 72–82°F (22–28°C) | 68–82°F (20–28°C) |
| Eats shrimp | No | Shrimplets only | Shrimplets only |
More livestock
Sources (4) · checked Sep 2026
- Mature tankaquaticsunlimited.com
- What it eatsgarnelio.de
- What it eatsgarnelio.de
- Mature tankgreenaqua.hu