This tiny little fish is a great addition to densely planted tanks with other small and peaceful species. It will not do well if kept in bright, open spaces, and most fish over 6cm will be large enough to cause stress or eat these little fish. Therefore, the Axelrods Rasbora is only suited to a few aquariums and looks best in heavily planted nano-tanks. Interestingly, the fish is not actually a Rasbora, and is more closely related to Danios. It is also said to make a croaking noise when shocked or removed from water.
Keep in groups of six or more, and provide soft, acidic water along with a darker substrate or dark areas for the best health and colour. The fish are active and seem to enjoy areas with a little flow as well as quieter spots.
Whilst the normal colour strain of this fish has a blue upper body and red mid-lower body, there are a number of colour morphs of this species, including blue, red, and green varieties. Males are generally more colourful and may have darker anal fins.
Because this fish needs a specific environment and good water quality to thrive, it is not a beginner species.