Chili Rasbora

Description

Chili Rasbora (Boraras brigittae)

The Chili Rasbora is a stunning micro freshwater fish admired for its vibrant red coloration, small size, and peaceful schooling behaviour. Native to the peat-swamp forests of Borneo, these tiny rasboras thrive in soft, slightly acidic water with subdued lighting, making them perfect for densely planted nano tanks and aquascapes.

Chili Rasboras are known for their intense red hue, which becomes even more vivid in healthy, well-fed groups. Their small size, around 1.5–2 cm, allows aquarists to create dynamic schools of 20 or more fish, producing a spectacular display of colour and movement at the lower to mid-levels of the aquarium.

Why You’ll Love Chili Rasboras

• 🔴 Brilliant red coloration that intensifies in groups

• 🐟 Peaceful and active schooling behaviour

• 🌿 Perfect for nano tanks and planted aquascapes

• 💪 Hardy and adaptable once acclimated to soft, acidic water

• ✨ Adds a vibrant splash of colour to any freshwater setup

Appearance & Behaviour

Chili Rasboras are extremely small, typically reaching 1.5–2 cm as adults. Their elongated bodies are translucent with striking red pigmentation along the midline, fins, and tail. In groups, they create a mesmerizing shimmering effect as they move in unison.

These fish are peaceful community members, best kept in schools of at least 10–15 individuals. They coexist well with other small, non-aggressive species such as Ember Tetras, Pygmy Corydoras, and small dwarf shrimps.

Tank Requirements & Care

Chili Rasboras thrive in soft, slightly acidic water, ideally mimicking their native peat-swamp habitat.

Tank Size:

• Minimum 20–30 litres for small schools

• Larger tanks recommended for bigger schools

Water Parameters:

• 🌡 Temperature: 22–28°C

• 💧 pH: 5.5–7.0

• 💦 Soft water, low mineral content

Environment:

• Heavily planted aquariums with floating plants or shaded areas

• Gentle water flow and stable water conditions

• Leaf litter or driftwood to mimic natural habitat and provide microhabitats

Feeding

Chili Rasboras are omnivorous and do well on a varied diet:

• High-quality micro-pellets or flakes

• Infusoria and baby brine shrimp for fry

• Frozen foods such as daphnia or microworms

• Small live foods to encourage natural hunting behaviour

Feed small portions 2–3 times daily to maintain health and vibrant colour.

Breeding

Chili Rasboras are egg scatterers and relatively easy to breed under the right conditions:

• Keep in soft, acidic water with dense plants or spawning mops

• Separate gravid females if desired to increase fry survival

• Fry are tiny and require infusoria or liquid food for the first few weeks

Quick Facts

• Common Name: Chili Rasbora

• Scientific Name: Boraras brigittae

• Adult Size: 1.5–2 cm

• Temperament: Peaceful

• Care Level: Moderate

• Diet: Omnivore

• Water Type: Freshwater

• Schooling Requirement: Minimum 10 individuals

✨ Chili Rasboras are tiny but mighty in colour, making them the perfect choice for planted nano aquariums, vibrant schools, and peaceful freshwater community tanks.