Naked Microrasbora: Fish Species Profile

The Naked Microrasbora (Boraras brigittae) is a small and vibrant species of freshwater fish, highly regarded for its peaceful nature, tiny size, and striking appearance. This species is a perfect choice for aquarists with small tanks or those looking to create a captivating, natural-looking aquarium setup. Known for its almost translucent body and subtle, bright colors, the Naked Microrasbora is a beautiful addition to any community tank, particularly when kept in groups where their natural behaviors can be observed.

• Common Names: Naked Microrasbora, Dwarf Rasbora, Micro Rasbora
• Scientific Name: Boraras brigittae
• Adult Size: Typically 0.8 to 1 inch (2 to 2.5 cm) in length
• Life Expectancy: 3 to 5 years in a well-maintained tank

Characteristics

The Naked Microrasbora is a tiny, peaceful species with a translucent body that can range from pale orange to bright red. Males typically show more intense coloration, especially during mating, with a vivid red or orange hue along the body and fins. Females are generally more muted in color and slightly rounder, especially when gravid (carrying eggs). This species is best kept in small groups, as they are social fish and thrive in the company of their own kind. They are often seen swimming in the middle to upper levels of the tank, where they can be admired for their graceful, schooling behavior.

• Family: Cyprinidae
• Origin: Native to Southeast Asia, particularly in the slow-moving streams of Malaysia and Borneo
• Social Behavior: Peaceful and social; thrives in groups
• Tank Level: Middle to upper-level swimmers
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 liters) for a small group
• Diet: Omnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates and plant matter
• Breeding: Egg layers; often laid on fine-leaved plants or tank surfaces
• Care Level: Easy; suitable for beginner aquarists
• Water Conditions:
  • pH: 6.0 to 7.5
  • Temperature: 72°F to 80°F (22°C to 27°C)
  • Hardness: 2 to 10 dGH

Origin and Distribution

The Naked Microrasbora is native to the freshwater streams and rivers of Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia, Borneo, and Indonesia. These fish are found in slow-moving waters with dense vegetation, where they feed on tiny invertebrates and plant matter. The Naked Microrasbora is not commonly found in the wild anymore, as it is primarily bred in captivity for the aquarium trade.

Colors and Markings

The most striking feature of the Naked Microrasbora is its almost translucent body, which allows its bright red or orange hues to shine through, especially in males. The coloration is more intense during the breeding season when the males display their colors to attract females. The fins are generally transparent or lightly colored, and the small size of these fish only adds to their delicate and elegant appearance. The females are less vibrant, with a more subdued appearance and rounder body, especially when gravid.

Tankmates

The Naked Microrasbora is a peaceful species and does well in a community aquarium with other small, non-aggressive fish. It is ideal for aquariums with similarly peaceful species, such as small tetras or shrimp. These fish are best kept in schools of at least 6-8 individuals to reduce stress and encourage natural schooling behavior. Larger or more aggressive species should be avoided, as they might intimidate or outcompete the Microrasbora for food.

• Recommended Tankmates:
  • Small peaceful fish like tetras (e.g., neon tetras, ember tetras)
  • Peaceful shrimp like Cherry Shrimp, Amano Shrimp, or Ghost Shrimp
  • Peaceful bottom-dwelling species like Corydoras catfish or small plecos
  • Other small rasboras or livebearers (e.g., guppies, mollies)
• Fish to Avoid:
  • Larger or more aggressive fish like cichlids or barbs
  • Fish that may outcompete the Microrasbora for food or space

Habitat and Care

The Naked Microrasbora thrives in well-maintained aquariums with stable water conditions. They prefer a tank with plenty of plants, soft substrate, and gentle filtration, as they are sensitive to strong currents. These fish are adaptable and can live in a variety of water conditions, although stable, clean water is essential to their health. A tank with dense vegetation or fine-leaved plants provides the fish with both cover and natural foraging opportunities.

• Ideal Aquarium Conditions:
  • A well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spaces created by plants or decorations
  • Soft substrate like sand or fine gravel for a more natural environment
  • Moderate filtration with a gentle flow
  • Regular water changes to maintain water quality
  • Stable water temperature and pH levels within the recommended range

Diet and Feeding

The Naked Microrasbora is omnivorous and enjoys a varied diet. They will eat small live or frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, or cyclops, as well as high-quality flakes or pellets designed for small fish. These fish also graze on algae and plant matter, making them an excellent addition to planted tanks. A balanced diet is essential to maintain their vibrant coloration and overall health.

• Feeding Tips:
  • Feed small amounts 2-3 times a day
  • Provide a mix of live or frozen foods (such as daphnia or brine shrimp) and high-quality small fish flakes or pellets
  • Remove any uneaten food after 5-10 minutes to prevent water quality issues
  • Supplement their diet with algae or plant-based foods for variety

Gender Differences

Male and female Naked Microrasboras can be distinguished by their size and coloration. Males are smaller, more colorful, and have brighter red or orange markings, particularly around the body and fins. Females are generally larger, rounder, and have a more muted coloration. The males often display their vibrant colors during courtship to attract females.

• Male: Smaller, more colorful with vivid red or orange coloration during breeding
• Female: Larger, rounder, with more subdued coloration, particularly when gravid

Breeding

Breeding the Naked Microrasbora in captivity is possible with the right conditions. The species is an egg layer, and the female will lay her eggs on fine-leaved plants or tank surfaces. After fertilization, the eggs will hatch in a few days, and the fry will be free-swimming in about a week. The fry can be fed small food like infusoria or crushed flakes until they are large enough to eat regular food.

• Breeding Tips:
  • Provide fine-leaved plants or breeding mats for the female to lay eggs
  • Maintain stable water conditions with slightly acidic to neutral pH and stable temperature
  • After the fry hatch, feed them small food like crushed flakes or live infusoria until they are large enough to eat regular food

More Pet Fish Species and Further Research

If you enjoy keeping the Naked Microrasbora, you may want to explore other small, peaceful species like Ember Tetras, Microdevario, or other types of Rasboras. Researching additional peaceful species will help you create a beautiful, harmonious community tank.

FAQ

Q: How many Naked Microrasboras should I keep together?
A: It’s best to keep at least 6-8 Naked Microrasboras together, as they are schooling fish and feel more comfortable in groups.

Q: Are Naked Microrasboras hard to care for?
A: No, they are relatively easy to care for as long as their water conditions are stable. They thrive in well-planted, peaceful aquariums with other small, non-aggressive species.

Q: How can I tell if my Naked Microrasbora is male or female?
A: Males are typically smaller, more colorful, and have more vibrant red or orange coloration, especially during breeding. Females are larger, rounder, and have less vivid coloration.