10 Types of Rasboras for Freshwater Aquariums
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.
