Home · Cyprinidae · Dwarf
Dwarf (Boraras maculatus) — Cyprinidae

Dwarf

Boraras maculatus
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Dwarf (Boraras maculatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
2.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The dwarf rasbora is one of the smallest cyprinids in the world, from oxygen-poor peat-swamp and forest-stream water of peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo. The species reaches only about 2 cm and has a slender, reddish to orange body with a few conspicuous black spots. It schools in soft, acidic, tea-coloured water and feeds on small zooplankton, mosquito larvae and microscopic benthic life. The fish is popular in the aquarium hobby. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dwarf?

The Dwarf has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Dwarf live?

The Dwarf lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Dwarf get?

The Dwarf grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.

Is the Dwarf dangerous to humans?

No, the Dwarf is harmless to humans.

Is the Dwarf edible?

The Dwarf is not usually eaten.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Dwergrasbora verified
English name
Dwarf verified
Scientific name
Boraras maculatus
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Dwarf rasbora; Dwarf-spotted rasbora; Pygmy rasbora; Spotted rasbora verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
2.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange inferred
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Boraras

More from the family Cyprinidae

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →