Phoenix Rasbora
Boraras merah
Minimum Tank
5 Gallons
Adult Size
0.75 inches
Temperature
73-82°F (23-28°C)
pH Range
4.0-7.0
Lifespan
4 years
School Size
10+ fish
About Phoenix Rasbora
The phoenix rasbora is a tiny, fiery-colored nano fish from the peat swamps of Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo). Males display vivid orange-red bodies with a dark lateral stripe and black markings, while females are slightly less intensely colored. At just three-quarters of an inch, they are one of the smallest rasbora species and among the tiniest fish available in the aquarium hobby. Phoenix rasboras inhabit extremely acidic, mineral-poor waters stained dark brown by decomposing plant material. They are closely related to the chili rasbora and share similar care requirements. Their striking coloring relative to their miniature size makes them prized additions to carefully curated nano aquariums.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 5-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 73-82°F (23-28°C)
- • pH: 4.0 - 7.0
- • Category: Rasbora
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Phoenix rasboras require a well-maintained nano tank of at least 5 gallons with very soft, acidic water at 68-79°F. Add Indian almond leaves, alder cones, and driftwood to replicate their blackwater peat swamp habitat. Keep them in groups of at least eight with gentle filtration using a sponge filter. Avoid housing with any fish large enough to eat them. They need micro-foods including crushed flakes, micro-pellets, and live or frozen baby brine shrimp and vinegar eels. Phoenix rasboras are sensitive to water quality and parameter swings, so maintain stable conditions with regular small water changes. A mature, established tank with some biofilm growth provides supplemental grazing.
Quick Facts
19L
Min Tank (5gal)
2cm
Adult Size (0.75")
4yr
Lifespan
10+
Min School
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Phoenix Rasbora
Related Species You Might Like
Chili Rasbora
Boraras brigittae
Celestial Pearl Danio
Danio margaritatus
Harlequin Rasbora
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
Emerald Eye Rasbora
Brevibora dorsiocellata
Lambchop Rasbora
Trigonostigma espei
Scissortail Rasbora
Rasbora trilineata
Tank Mates for Phoenix Rasbora
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Spotted Blue-Eye Rainbowfish
Pseudomugil gertrudae
moderate · 10+ gal
Otocinclus
Otocinclus sp.
moderate · 10+ gal
Panda Corydoras
Corydoras panda
easy · 10+ gal
Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
easy · 10+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other moderate-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Phoenix Rasbora need?
A Phoenix Rasbora needs a minimum tank size of 5 gallons (19 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 10.
What water parameters does a Phoenix Rasbora need?
Phoenix Rasbora thrive in water between 73-82°F (23-28°C) with a pH of 4.0-7.0.
Are Phoenix Rasbora easy to care for?
Phoenix Rasbora are considered moderate to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 4 years.
How big do Phoenix Rasbora get and what do they eat?
Phoenix Rasbora reach about 0.75 inches and are omnivores. Phoenix rasboras require a well-maintained nano tank of at least 5 gallons with very soft, acidic water at 68-79°F. Add Indian almond leaves, alder cones, and driftwood to replicate their blackwater peat swamp habitat. Keep them in groups of at least eight with gentle filtration using a sponge filter. Avoid housing with any fish large enough to eat them. They need micro-foods including crushed flakes, micro-pellets, and live or frozen baby brine shrimp and vinegar eels. Phoenix rasboras are sensitive to water quality and parameter swings, so maintain stable conditions with regular small water changes. A mature, established tank with some biofilm growth provides supplemental grazing.