Description

Exclamation Point Rasbora

The Ultimate Shoaling Fish for Nano Aquariums & Shrimp Tanks

If you are looking for a striking micro-fish that brings life and color to a planted nano tank without overwhelming the biological load, the Exclamation Point Rasbora (Boraras urophthalmoides) is an unbeatable choice. Native to the soft, warm blackwater swamps and slow-moving streams of Southeast Asia, this hardy micro-rasbora is revered by aquascapers for its minuscule footprint, peaceful nature, and charming group dynamics.

Key Care & Behavior Highlights

1. Ideal for Nano Aquariums & Shrimp Breeding

Thanks to their diminutive size, a thriving shoal of Exclamation Point Rasboras can comfortably live in smaller tanks where standard-sized fish would feel cramped. Their tiny mouths make them 100% safe to keep alongside Neocaridina and Caridina dwarf shrimp, as they pose zero threat to adult shrimp and rarely disturb well-hidden shrimpets.

2. Vibrant Shoaling Display

While single fish can be shy, keeping a school of 8 to 15 individuals unlocks their true beauty. When kept in a group, males display richer orange-red hues along their spine and fin edges while engaging in harmless, graceful sparring. Seeing a tight cluster of these micro-jewels navigate through dense aquatic vegetation is a highlights of nano fishkeeping.

3. Perfect Aquascape Companion

Exclamation Point Rasboras love heavily planted environments with gentle water flow. They feel most secure among fine-leaved foliage like Java Moss, Anubias, Buceps, and floating plants. Soft background lighting and dark substrate bring out their rich metallic orange and deep blue-black stripes.

4. Easy Feeding Requirements

Because of their micro-sized mouths, they require small food particles. They readily accept high-quality crushed micro-pellets, high-protein powdered foods, and crushed flakes. For optimal color and health, supplement their diet with live or frozen micro-foods like baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and rotifers.

Recommended Tank Parameters

• Scientific Name: Boraras urophthalmoides

• Adult Size: 1.5 cm – 2 cm (0.6 in – 0.8 in)

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 L (5 gal) for a group

• Water Temperature: 22°C – 28°C (72°F – 82°F)

• pH Range: 6.0 – 7.2 (Prefers slightly acidic to neutral water)

• Hardness: 2 – 10 dGH

• Diet: Omnivore (micro-pellets, crushed flake, baby brine shrimp, rotifers)

• Temperament: Extremely peaceful nano schooling fish

Acclimation & Care Tips

1. Slow Drip Acclimation: Like most delicate micro-rasboras, they adapt best when drip-acclimated over 45–60 minutes to adjust to your aquarium’s water chemistry.

2. Gentle Filtration: Use a sponge filter or baffle your filter outlet; strong currents can easily overpower these tiny swimmers.

3. Matured Water: Introduce them to a fully cycled, well-established aquarium rich in beneficial micro-fauna and stable water parameters.