Rasboras are small, colorful fish that are perfect for peaceful community aquariums. They’re easy to care for, love to swim in groups, and come in many bright colors and patterns.
In this beginner-friendly guide, you’ll learn about the most popular rasbora types, how to care for them, and which ones are great for small or large aquariums.
Why Rasboras Are Great for Aquariums
- Peaceful – They get along well with other calm fish.
- Social – They like to swim in groups, which looks really cool.
- Low Maintenance – Most rasboras are easy to care for.
- Small Size – They don’t need huge tanks.
- Colorful – Their bright colors add life to any aquarium.
1. Harlequin Rasbora
Size: 2 inches Lifespan: 5–8 years Tank Size: 20 gallons
These are the most popular rasboras. They have a shiny orange body with a black triangle on the tail.
Care Tips:
- Temperature: 72–81°F
- pH: 6.0–7.5
- School Size: 8 or more
- Setup: Plants, open swimming space, soft lighting
Why We Like Them: They’re colorful, peaceful, and look amazing in groups.
2. Chili Rasbora
Size: 0.7 inches Lifespan: 3–5 years Tank Size: 5 gallons (10+ better)
Tiny but super bright red, these fish are great for nano tanks.
Care Tips:
- Temperature: 72–82°F
- pH: 4.0–7.0
- School Size: 10+
- Setup: Lots of plants and soft light
Why We Like Them: They glow in green plants and bring movement to small tanks.
3. Green Neon or Kubotai Rasbora
Size: 1 inch Lifespan: 3–5 years Tank Size: 10 gallons
Also called Kubotai Rasbora, they shine in a bright lime-green color.
Care Tips:
- Temperature: 72–79°F
- pH: 6.5–7.5
- School Size: 8+
- Setup: Dark sand, plants, soft lighting
Why We Like Them: They light up dark tanks with glowing green bodies.
4. Scissortail Rasbora
Size: 3.5 inches Lifespan: 5–8 years Tank Size: 30 gallons
These are bigger rasboras with forked tails like scissors.
Care Tips:
- Temperature: 73–77°F
- pH: 6.0–7.5
- School Size: 6+
- Setup: Long tank with open swimming space
Why We Like Them: They’re fun to watch and always swimming around.
5. Asian Rummy Nose Rasbora
Size: 1.2 inches Lifespan: 3–5 years Tank Size: 15 gallons
These fish have red faces and shiny blue bodies.
Care Tips:
- Temperature: 72–79°F
- pH: 7.0–8.5
- School Size: 8+
- Setup: Rocks, some plants, open space
Why We Like Them: They love harder water and add bright color to community tanks.
6. Clown Rasbora
Size: 2.8 inches Lifespan: 5–7 years Tank Size: 30 gallons
Golden-orange with a thick black line, these fish stand out.
Care Tips:
- Temperature: 73–79°F
- pH: 5.5–7.0
- School Size: 6+
- Setup: Leaf litter, soft light, driftwood
Why We Like Them: They look best in blackwater tanks and love dim setups.
If you have 50-10 gallon tank read about Small Aquarium Fish for Nano Tanks
7. Brilliant Rasbora
Size: 3 inches Lifespan: 5–7 years Tank Size: 30 gallons
These fish are shiny silver with a black stripe across their body.
Care Tips:
- Temperature: 72–79°F
- pH: 5.5–7.0
- School Size: 6+
- Setup: Planted tank with soft lighting
Why We Like Them: They shimmer and sparkle, especially under good lights.
8. Blue Axelrodi Rasbora
Size: 1 inch Lifespan: 3–5 years Tank Size: 10 gallons
These tiny fish have glowing blue bodies.
Care Tips:
- Temperature: 72–79°F
- pH: 5.0–6.5
- School Size: 10+
- Setup: Heavily planted, low light
Why We Like Them: They’re rare and shine beautifully in planted nano tanks.
9. Galaxy Rasbora
Size: 1 inch Lifespan: 3–5 years Tank Size: 10 gallons
Also called Celestial Pearl Danio, they look like a galaxy of stars.
Care Tips:
- Temperature: 68–75°F
- pH: 6.5–7.5
- School Size: 8+
- Setup: Moss, floating plants, lots of hiding spots
Why We Like Them: They’re shy but stunning. Their white spots and orange fins are gorgeous.
10. Emerald Dwarf Rasbora
Size: 0.8 inches Lifespan: 3–5 years Tank Size: 5 gallons (10+ better)
Green and glowing, these tiny fish love planted tanks.
Care Tips:
- Temperature: 72–79°F
- pH: 6.5–7.5
- School Size: 10+
- Setup: Moss, plants, calm waters
Why We Like Them: Their emerald color stands out in planted tanks.
General Rasbora Care Tips
Food:
- Micro pellets, flakes, frozen daphnia, brine shrimp
- Feed once or twice a day, only what they eat in 2–3 minutes
Water:
- Soft to medium water
- pH around 6.5–7.5
- Temp: 72–79°F
Tank Mates:
- Other peaceful fish
- Small tetras, dwarf cichlids, loaches, and shrimp
- Avoid big or aggressive fish
Common Problems:
- Stress from too-small groups
- Poor water quality
- Not eating enough or getting bullied
Best Tank Setup for Rasboras
- Filter: Use gentle flow or sponge filters
- Substrate: Dark sand or gravel
- Plants: Java fern, Anubias, moss, floating plants
- Hiding Spots: Driftwood, smooth stones
- Light: Soft or moderate light
Final Thoughts
Rasboras are fun, peaceful, and beautiful. They’re perfect for beginner and experienced fish keepers alike. Just keep them in groups and give them a clean, calm home, and they’ll reward you with color and activity every day.
 **2. Platy** Platies are hardy and easygoing. They enjoy swimming in groups and come in a variety of bright colors. Great for peaceful community tanks. ➡️ [Platy Fish Guide →](#) **3. Zebra Danio** Known for their energy and toughness, zebra danios are perfect for cycling new tanks. They tolerate a wide range of conditions and like to dart around in groups. ➡️ [Zebra Danio Guide →](#) **4. Corydoras Catfish** Peaceful bottom-dwellers that help keep your tank clean. Keep them in groups of 3 or more and give them soft substrate. ➡️ [Cory Catfish Care →](#) **5. Molly** Adaptable to various water conditions (even brackish), mollies are lively and great for community aquariums. ➡️ [Molly Fish Care Guide →](#) **6. Swordtail** Easy to care for and great in peaceful groups. Males have a signature sword-like tail and love swimming space. ➡️ [Swordtail Fish Guide →](#) **7. Betta Fish** Low-maintenance and visually stunning. Best kept alone or with very peaceful tank mates like snails or Corydoras. ➡️ [Full Betta Fish Care Guide →](#) **8. Neon Tetra** Small and peaceful, neon tetras love to school and light up a planted tank. Keep them in groups of 6 or more. ➡️ [Neon Tetra Care Guide →](https://oceanbitez.com/neon-tetras/) **9. Harlequin Rasbora** A calm and schooling species that fits right into community setups. Easy to feed and care for. ➡️ [Harlequin Rasbora Guide →](#) **10. Dwarf Gourami** A gentle and colorful addition to a beginner’s tank. Likes planted environments and peaceful neighbors. ➡️ [Dwarf Gourami Guide →](#) **11. White Cloud Mountain Minnow** Can live in cooler temperatures and is perfect for unheated tanks. Small, peaceful, and easy to care for. ➡️ [White Cloud Minnow Guide →](#) **12. Cherry Barb** Peaceful and social, cherry barbs do well in planted tanks and enjoy being in small groups. ➡️ [Cherry Barb Care →](#) --- ### Sample Beginner Tank Combos **Combo 1: 10–15 Gallon Easy Starter** * 4–6 Guppies * 3 Corydoras Catfish * 1 Nerite Snail **Combo 2: 20 Gallon Planted Community** * 6 Harlequin Rasboras * 6 Neon Tetras * 1 Dwarf Gourami * 3 Otocinclus (optional if algae control is needed) --- ### Beginner Tips for a Successful Aquarium * Cycle your tank before adding fish (ammonia → nitrite → nitrate) * Start with hardy species before delicate ones * Feed small amounts once or twice daily * Do weekly partial water changes (20–30%) * Don’t mix aggressive or fin-nipping species * Use a heater for tropical fish (75–80°F) --- ### Final Thoughts These beginner fish are ideal for getting started in the hobby without frustration. They're low-maintenance, compatible, and fun to watch. Once you’re comfortable, you can explore more advanced species and community combinations. ➡️ Check out our full guide to [Freshwater Aquarium Fish →](https://oceanbitez.com/freshwater-fish/)](https://oceanbitez.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Best-Freshwater-Fish-for-Your-Aquarium-1024x640.webp)
