Red Rasbora (Rasbora axelrodi) 1.5-2 cm

Overview

The Red Rasbora (Rasbora axelrodi) is a charming small schooling fish prized for its delicate red colouring, active nature and suitability for peaceful community aquariums. At just 1.5-2 cm on sale, these are ideal for aquarists looking to build a lively nano school or add movement and colour to a planted display tank. Their compact size, gentle temperament and preference for groups make them a superb choice for hobbyists who enjoy natural-looking aquascapes and calm community setups.

These fish are best kept in a proper shoal, where they feel secure and display their best colouration and behaviour. In the right environment, they spend much of the day cruising the middle water layers, weaving through plants and open swimming space. They are not demanding fish, but they do appreciate stable water conditions, good filtration and a mature aquarium. As with all live fish from Tropical Fish Co, your order is backed by our live arrival guarantee and sent with fast UK delivery for a smooth, reliable experience.

Red Rasboras are a great option for aquarists who want a fish that stays small, remains peaceful and adds subtle beauty rather than bold aggression. Their understated elegance makes them especially effective in heavily planted aquariums, blackwater-inspired layouts and soft-water community tanks.

Care at a Glance

Origin & Natural Habitat

Rasbora axelrodi is associated with Southeast Asian freshwater habitats, where small rasboras typically inhabit slow-moving streams, forest pools, and calm waters rich in plants and leaf litter. In nature, these environments are often soft, slightly acidic and shaded by overhanging vegetation. The water is usually gentle, with plenty of cover and a steady supply of tiny invertebrates and organic matter to feed on.

This natural background helps explain why Red Rasboras thrive in aquariums that are stable, planted and not overly bright. They are adapted to living in groups and feel most comfortable when they can school together. A tank that mimics their natural habitat with fine-leaved plants, subdued lighting and open swimming lanes will encourage natural behaviour and stronger colouration.

Because they come from calm waters, they do not appreciate strong currents or abrupt changes in water chemistry. Good husbandry, regular maintenance and careful acclimation are important for long-term success.

Tank Setup & Water Parameters

For best results, keep Red Rasboras in a mature aquarium of at least 60 litres, although larger tanks are always better for active schooling fish. A longer tank footprint is preferable to a tall one, as these fish use the middle water column and benefit from room to move as a group. They should be kept in a shoal of at least 8-10 individuals, with more being even better if space allows.

Planting is highly recommended. Use dense background and side planting with open space in the centre for schooling behaviour. Floating plants can help diffuse light and create a more natural, secure environment. Driftwood, leaf litter and dark substrate can also enhance their colours and reduce stress. Gentle filtration is ideal; sponge filters, internal filters with softened flow, or canister filters with spray bars work well.

Stable water parameters are more important than chasing exact numbers. Aim for a temperature of 24-28°C, pH 6.0-7.5, and clean, well-oxygenated water. Soft to moderately hard water is usually acceptable, but softer water often brings out the best colour and behaviour. Regular partial water changes are essential, especially in smaller aquariums, to keep nitrate low and water quality high.

When introducing new fish, float the bag to equalise temperature and then acclimate slowly to reduce stress. As with all live stock, we recommend setting up the tank in advance and ensuring it is fully cycled before purchase. Our fish are packed carefully for transit and supported by our live arrival guarantee.

Feeding Guide

Red Rasboras are omnivorous and do best on a varied diet made up of small, high-quality foods. In the aquarium, they readily accept micro pellets, fine flakes, crushed flake, and small granules designed for nano fish. To keep them in top condition, supplement dry foods with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, baby brine shrimp, cyclops and microworms.

Feed small amounts once or twice daily, offering only what the shoal can consume in a couple of minutes. Their mouths are tiny, so food size matters. A varied diet supports colour, growth and breeding condition, while also helping to keep the fish active and healthy. Overfeeding should be avoided, as excess food can quickly affect water quality in smaller tanks.

If you keep them in a planted aquarium with other small fish, make sure they are getting enough food at feeding time. Their peaceful nature means they can sometimes be outcompeted by faster or bolder tank mates, so target feeding or spreading food across the surface and midwater can help.

Tank Mates / Compatibility

Red Rasboras are peaceful community fish and are best housed with other calm species that will not intimidate or outcompete them. Suitable companions include other small rasboras, ember tetras, celestial pearl danios, pygmy corydoras, otocinclus, small peaceful gouramis and shrimp in well-planted setups. They also work well in species-only aquariums where a larger shoal can be enjoyed.

Avoid aggressive, boisterous or predatory fish. Large cichlids, barbs that nip fins, big gouramis, and any species large enough to view them as food are poor choices. Very fast feeders can also be problematic if the rasboras are not getting enough food. As a rule, choose tank mates that share their calm temperament and similar water preferences.

Because they are small and schooling, they should not be kept singly or in pairs. A proper group helps reduce stress, encourages natural schooling behaviour and makes the fish more confident. In a busy community tank, a larger shoal is especially important.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

At Tropical Fish Co, we specialise in healthy, well-conditioned live fish for UK aquariums. Our Red Rasboras are selected with care and packed to help them arrive in excellent condition. We understand that live fish are a living investment, which is why we offer a live arrival guarantee and fast UK delivery for peace of mind.

We aim to make online fish buying straightforward, reliable and enjoyable. From careful stock handling to secure packaging and prompt dispatch, every step is designed around fish welfare and customer confidence. Whether you are building a nano community, a planted showcase or a peaceful schooling display, Red Rasboras are a beautiful and rewarding choice.

Order with confidence and enjoy a lively, elegant shoal that brings movement, colour and calm to your aquarium.