Rasbora Chili (Boraras Brigittae)
Chili Rasbora (Boraras brigittae)
The Chili Rasbora is a tiny, vibrant masterpiece. Native to the blackwater swamps of Indonesia (South Kalimantan), it features a slender, fiery red body with a dark, wedge-shaped stripe along its flank. In a well-maintained tank with soft, acidic water, the red becomes so intense it looks almost artificial. They are peaceful, non-intrusive, and provide the perfect "finishing touch" to a professional-grade planted aquarium.
Key Information
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Common Name: Chili Rasbora, Mosquito Rasbora
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Scientific Name: Boraras brigittae
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Origin: Indonesia (Borneo)
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Max Size: 1.5–2 cm (Tiny!)
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Lifespan: 3–5 years
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Temperament: Very peaceful (Can be shy)
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Diet: Omnivore – Requires tiny foods like crushed high-quality flakes, "Golden Pearls," or live baby brine shrimp and daphnia.
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Care Level: Moderate (Sensitive to water fluctuations)
Water Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
| Temperature: | 24–28°C |
| pH: | 4.0–7.0 (Ideally below 6.5 for best color) |
| Hardness: | 1–5 dGH (Very soft water is best) |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 20L+ (But 40L+ is easier to keep stable) |
Behaviour & Tank Compatibility
Chili Rasboras are schooling fish and must be kept in a group of at least 10–12. In larger groups (20+), they feel much more secure and will school tightly, creating a stunning "streak of fire" through the plants. They are completely "Shrimp Safe," making them the #1 choice for Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp breeders. Ideal tank mates include other micro-rasboras, Pygmy Corydoras, and Otocinclus. Never keep them with fish large enough to eat them—even a medium-sized Tetra could swallow a Chili Rasbora.
Ideal Tank Setup
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Dense Planting: They love a lush environment with plenty of mosses, Bucephalandra, and floating plants.
-
Tannins & Blackwater: Using dried Catappa leaves or alder cones to tint the water slightly "tea-colored" will make their red colors explode and mimic their natural Indonesian home.
-
Gentle Filtration: Because they are so small, a strong filter intake can be dangerous. Use a sponge filter or a pre-filter sponge on your canister intake.
-
Dark Substrate: A dark soil (like ADA Amazonia or Fluval Stratum) is essential to make their colors stand out; on light sand, they will appear washed out.
-
Stable Water: Because they are so small, they have zero tolerance for ammonia or rapid pH changes.
Why Choose the Chili Rasbora?
The Chili Rasbora is the jewel of the nano-aquarium. It allows you to have a massive school of fish in a relatively small space. For the aquarist who focuses on "the details" and wants a fish that complements a high-tech planted setup without distracting from the plants, there is simply no better choice.
Description
Chili Rasbora (Boraras brigittae)
The Chili Rasbora is a tiny, vibrant masterpiece. Native to the blackwater swamps of Indonesia (South Kalimantan), it features a slender, fiery red body with a dark, wedge-shaped stripe along its flank. In a well-maintained tank with soft, acidic water, the red becomes so intense it looks almost artificial. They are peaceful, non-intrusive, and provide the perfect "finishing touch" to a professional-grade planted aquarium.
Key Information
-
Common Name: Chili Rasbora, Mosquito Rasbora
-
Scientific Name: Boraras brigittae
-
Origin: Indonesia (Borneo)
-
Max Size: 1.5–2 cm (Tiny!)
-
Lifespan: 3–5 years
-
Temperament: Very peaceful (Can be shy)
-
Diet: Omnivore – Requires tiny foods like crushed high-quality flakes, "Golden Pearls," or live baby brine shrimp and daphnia.
-
Care Level: Moderate (Sensitive to water fluctuations)
Water Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
| Temperature: | 24–28°C |
| pH: | 4.0–7.0 (Ideally below 6.5 for best color) |
| Hardness: | 1–5 dGH (Very soft water is best) |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 20L+ (But 40L+ is easier to keep stable) |
Behaviour & Tank Compatibility
Chili Rasboras are schooling fish and must be kept in a group of at least 10–12. In larger groups (20+), they feel much more secure and will school tightly, creating a stunning "streak of fire" through the plants. They are completely "Shrimp Safe," making them the #1 choice for Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp breeders. Ideal tank mates include other micro-rasboras, Pygmy Corydoras, and Otocinclus. Never keep them with fish large enough to eat them—even a medium-sized Tetra could swallow a Chili Rasbora.
Ideal Tank Setup
-
Dense Planting: They love a lush environment with plenty of mosses, Bucephalandra, and floating plants.
-
Tannins & Blackwater: Using dried Catappa leaves or alder cones to tint the water slightly "tea-colored" will make their red colors explode and mimic their natural Indonesian home.
-
Gentle Filtration: Because they are so small, a strong filter intake can be dangerous. Use a sponge filter or a pre-filter sponge on your canister intake.
-
Dark Substrate: A dark soil (like ADA Amazonia or Fluval Stratum) is essential to make their colors stand out; on light sand, they will appear washed out.
-
Stable Water: Because they are so small, they have zero tolerance for ammonia or rapid pH changes.
Why Choose the Chili Rasbora?
The Chili Rasbora is the jewel of the nano-aquarium. It allows you to have a massive school of fish in a relatively small space. For the aquarist who focuses on "the details" and wants a fish that complements a high-tech planted setup without distracting from the plants, there is simply no better choice.
