Chili Rasbora "Boraras brigittae"

Chili Rasbora – Tiny Nano Fish for Peaceful Aquariums

The Chili Rasbora (Boraras brigittae), also known as the Mosquito Rasbora, is a tiny, peaceful nano fish perfect for planted aquariums. Its small size and schooling behavior make it a captivating addition to any community tank. With proper care, male Chili Rasboras display bright ruby red coloration, adding a striking pop of color to your aquarium.

Ideal Aquarium Conditions

Tank Size: Minimum 5 gallons (larger groups 20+ ideal)

Temperature: 68–82.4°F (20–28°C)

pH: 4.0–7.0 (acidic water preferred)

KH: 3–12 dKH

Substrate & Plants: Dark substrate with floating plants; heavily planted tanks enhance behavior and coloration

Social Behavior and Compatibility

Chili Rasbora is extremely peaceful and thrives in schools of 6 or more, preferably 20+ for optimal shoaling behavior. It is safe with dwarf shrimp, small invertebrates, and other peaceful nano fish. Avoid aggressive tankmates that may outcompete Chili Rasboras during feeding. Its schooling behavior creates a mesmerizing display in well-planted tanks.

Feeding & Diet

Omnivorous, micropredator diet

Accepts high-quality flakes, pellets, frozen or live foods (Artemia, microworms, Tubifex, finely chopped bloodworms)

Requires varied diet for optimal color and health

Why We Recommend Chili Rasbora

Fascinating schooling behavior, especially in large groups

Peaceful with small fish and invertebrates

Ideal for nano and planted aquariums

Striking ruby-red coloration in males

Care Guidelines

Origin: Indonesia

Average Adult Size: 0.6–0.8 inches (1.5–2 cm)

Average Purchase Size: 0.25–0.5 inch (0.6–1.3 cm)

Peaceful, schooling/shoaling nano fish perfect for beginners and experts alike

Introduction to Chili Rasbora

The Chili Rasbora, scientifically known as Boraras brigittae, is a small, colorful freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia. This species is appreciated for its vibrant colors and peaceful nature, making it a perfect addition to community tanks. These tiny fish usually grow to about 1 inch in length and have bright red and orange bodies, combined with striking black markings. Because of their small size, they can be housed in nano tanks, but you should always ensure that the water quality is optimal.

Care and Habitat Requirements

Chili Rasboras thrive in well-planted aquariums with soft, slightly acidic water. This is important because they are sensitive to poor water conditions. They prefer temperatures ranging from 75°F to 82°F. Therefore, maintaining a stable environment is crucial for their well-being. Additionally, these fish appreciate hiding spots which can be provided by plants, driftwood, and rocks. You should also avoid aggressive tank mates to ensure that the Chili Rasbora feels secure and comfortable.

Feeding and Breeding

Feeding Chili Rasboras is relatively simple, as they will eat most types of fish food, including flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods like brine shrimp or daphnia. It's essential to provide a balanced diet to ensure their health and vibrant colors. However, breeding them can be a bit more challenging, as they require specific conditions. They are egg scatterers, so providing fine-leaved plants can help in breeding. If you want to raise fry, consider separating them from adult fish to prevent them from being eaten.