Phoenix Rasbora

Phoenix rasboras, or rasbora merah, are similar to brigittae rasboras but without the black horizontal line on the brigittae. The phoenix rasbora has black dots. In the retail trade these fish are often sold as brigittae and vice versa, but the colors are distinct to each species. Both the common name and scientific name refer to the striking color of the body: merah is Indonesian for red, and phoenix refers to the red flaming bird rising from the ashes. These are small schooling aquarium fish suited to peaceful tanks and planted aquariums.

Quick Facts

Care Guide

Tank setup: Give them dense plants, floating plants, a dark substrate and gentle filtration (a sponge filter is ideal, since they are small enough to be pulled into strong intakes). Soft, slightly acidic water brings out their best color.

Feeding: Feed crushed flake or micro pellets once or twice a day, only as much as they eat in a couple of minutes. They also enjoy frozen brine shrimp.

Tankmates: Keep them with other tiny, peaceful fish such as other micro rasboras, small tetras, pygmy corydoras, otocinclus and dwarf shrimp. Avoid large or boisterous fish, which can eat or stress them.

Good to know: Micro rasboras show their best color and natural schooling behavior in larger groups and well-planted tanks.