Order : Cypriniformes
Family : CYPRINIDAE
Species : Boraras maculatus
Maximum Length : 2.5 cm

The tiny Malayan Pygmy Rasbora, or Dwarf Rasbora, inhabits shallow, acidic forest streams and freshwater swamp forest.

The species often occurs in mixed shoals with larger fish species. In the wild it is easily overlooked due to its small size, but once located its identity is fairly easily confirmed by the presence of a prominent, circular dark spot on each flank. The latter feature can help distinguish the species from the somewhat larger Harlequin Rasbora. 

The species occurs in parts of southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and parts of the Riau Archipelago (e.g. Bintan Island). Its status in Sumatra and Borneo appears uncertain.
 

Fig 1 : Malayan Pygmy Rasbora in freshwater swamp forest, Singapore.

Fig 2 : Trio of Malayan Pygmy Rasbora next to a Forest Betta, Singapore.

Fig 3 : Typical habitat of this species - a shallow, acidic stream in freshwater swamp forest, Singapore.

Fig 4 : A lone Malayan Pygmy Rasbora with an Einthoven's Rasbora, Singapore.


References :

Lim, K.P. and Ng, K.L. 1990. A Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre.