Neon Blue Rasbora

Neon Blue Rasbora key facts

Care level

Advanced

Lifespan

3-5 years

Size

Up to 2.3cm SL

Temperature

23〜26℃

Diet

Live or frozen Artemia nauplii, daphnia, grindal worm and chopped bloodworm

Tank

Seriously Fish suggests a 30 x 20cm base. A densely planted tank with floating plants and driftwood roots to diffuse the light suits it. It comes from sluggish water, so keep filter flow gentle.

Water Temperature & Quality

Seriously Fish gives 23-26C and 0-5 dGH but lists pH as not recorded, and FishBase records only 23-26C. What is certain is that it comes from peat swamp blackwater and needs very soft water.

Tank Mates

Peaceful but small and timid, so it is unsuited to a general community. Keep it in a species tank or with equally small fish that share its water preferences, such as Boraras, Eirmotus and Trigonostigma.

Diet & Feeding

In nature it presumably eats small crustaceans, worms and zooplankton. Some individuals refuse dried food, so offer live or frozen Artemia nauplii, daphnia, grindal worm and chopped bloodworm regularly.

Breeding & Spawning

It has not often been bred in the hobby, largely because it dislikes fluctuating conditions, which makes separate spawning and rearing tanks hard to arrange. Reports nonetheless exist.

Health & Notes

It reacts badly to sudden changes, so acclimatise it slowly. Very soft water is a precondition, which means treating hard tap water in many areas. Habitat loss has led the IUCN to rate it Vulnerable.

About Neon Blue Rasbora

A care guide to the Neon Blue Rasbora, an ultra-small cyprinid fish with a glowing neon-blue stripe that grows to about 2.3 cm. Learn about its shy nature, care tips, and common questions.

7 things to know before welcoming a Neon Blue Rasbora

1. 1Prefers Very Soft Water

   In the wild, this species lives in blackwater habitats on islands like Borneo, where tannins stain the water and it stays extremely soft. Keeping the water on the soft side in your tank helps maintain its health.

2. 2A Shy Temperament

   The Neon Blue Rasbora is a very timid fish that spends much of its time hiding. Without a calm environment, it may not come out to feed.

3. 3Best Kept Alone

   It tends to become stressed and withdrawn when housed with larger, more active fish. A species-only tank, or tankmates that are similarly small and calm, works best.

4. 4An Advanced-Level Fish

   Its tiny size makes it sensitive to changes in water quality, which is why it's generally considered suited to experienced keepers. A stable, well-managed tank is important.

5. 5Provide Places to Hide

   Driftwood, plants, and floating vegetation give the fish spots to retreat to, helping it settle in. Avoid overly open layouts with no cover.

6. 6Feed Small-Sized Food

   Because of its small mouth, it needs food sized appropriately, such as powdered fry food or newly hatched brine shrimp. These are easy for it to eat.

7. 7Let the Tank Mature First

   A newly set up tank can have unstable water parameters, which is hard on such a small fish. Adding it once filtration has stabilized is the safer approach.

Frequently asked questions about Neon Blue Rasbora

Q.How big does it grow?

A.It's an ultra-small species that reaches a maximum of about 2.3 cm. It stays tiny throughout its life, so it has a subtle presence in a tank compared with other fish.

Q.Can it be kept with other fish?

A.Because it's a shy fish, it tends to hide when kept with more active tankmates. If you do keep it with others, choose fish that are similarly small and calm.

Q.Is it suitable for beginners?

A.It's generally considered suited to experienced aquarists rather than beginners. Because it needs very soft water and careful water quality management, it's best kept after gaining experience with other tropical fish.

Q.What kind of setup does it need?

A.Following its natural habitat in places like Borneo, aim for soft water and a layout with driftwood or plants for cover. A calm environment with places to hide will make it more likely to come out and be seen.

Q.What should I feed it?

A.Because its mouth is small, it needs fine food such as powdered food or freshly hatched brine shrimp. Uneven feeding can lead to water quality issues, so it's best to give small amounts several times a day.

Useful tools for Neon Blue Rasbora care

Learn more about Neon Blue Rasbora in the encyclopedia

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