Fish profile · Cyprinidae

Dwarf rasbora

Boraras maculatus

AquariumFreshwaterNative to MalaysiaLeast Concern (IUCN)

Dwarf rasbora is a miniature reddish freshwater fish marked with dark spots. Malaysian records include peat and acid-water habitats. Genetic research has found substantial differences between regional populations, making protection of several peat-swamp areas important for preserving their diversity.

Last reviewed 13 October 2026 · 5 sources

Photo of Dwarf rasbora — (c) Zakqary Roy, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC BY

Max length: 2.5 cm
IUCN: LC; Least Concern
In Malaysia: Native
Family: Cyprinidae; order Cypriniformes

Category from the IUCN Red List, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0); it may lag the latest Red List assessment.

How big?

Linear scale · hand 18 cm

Up to 2.5 cm.

The hand is 18 cm long.

Where in Malaysia

5 open-licence records · GBIF

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Recorded (open records)

Recorded in Johor, Melaka, and Selangor. Based on 5 open-licence records on GBIF. Few records can mean few surveys, not few fish.

How to identify

Very small reddish body
Dark spots behind the gill cover and near the anal and tail fins
Males are generally more brightly coloured than females

Habitat

Peat swamps

Acid-water and peat-swamp habitats in Peninsular Malaysia.

Native range: Peninsular Malaysia and neighbouring parts of Southeast Asia.

Aquarium care

Minimum tank: 38 L
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH: 5–6.5
Temperament: Peaceful

Sources

Last reviewed 13 October 2026