Chili Rasbora (Boraras brigittae) – A Complete Care Guide

Latin Name: Boraras brigittae
Common Names: Chili Rasbora, Mosquito Rasbora

The Chili Rasbora is a tiny, vibrantly colored freshwater fish that has captured the hearts of many aquarists. Known for its fiery red hues and peaceful temperament, the Chili Rasbora is perfect for nano tanks and community setups with other small, peaceful species. This guide will explore the natural habitat of the Chili Rasbora and offer detailed care instructions for those looking to add this striking fish to their aquarium.

Chili Rasboras in the Wild

The Chili Rasbora is native to the blackwater streams, peat swamps, and forested pools of Borneo and Indonesia. These environments are characterized by soft, acidic water rich in tannins, which create a tea-colored hue. The slow-moving, densely vegetated waters provide plenty of cover for these tiny fish.

In the wild, Chili Rasboras live in schools and are found in areas with abundant aquatic vegetation and leaf litter, where they feed on small invertebrates, plankton, and microscopic organisms. The dark, tannin-rich waters of their natural habitat help enhance their brilliant red coloration.

Appearance and Behavior

The Chili Rasbora is one of the smallest fish available in the aquarium trade, reaching only about 0.8 inches (2 cm) in length. Despite their size, they are eye-catching due to their bright red coloration with black markings along their sides. Males tend to be more vividly colored than females, especially during spawning, when their colors intensify.

These fish are peaceful and thrive in schools. They exhibit natural shoaling behavior, and keeping them in groups of at least 6 to 10 individuals helps reduce stress and encourages their natural activity. In a well-established, planted tank, Chili Rasboras are curious and active, exploring the middle and upper water layers while staying close to plant cover.

Aquarium Care for Chili Rasboras

Chili Rasboras are an excellent choice for nano aquariums and planted setups. Their small size and peaceful nature make them a perfect addition to community tanks with other gentle species.

Tank Setup

• Tank Size: A minimum of 5 gallons is recommended for a small group of Chili Rasboras, though a 10-gallon tank or larger is ideal if you want to maintain a larger school.
• Water Temperature: These tropical fish prefer warm water, with an ideal range of 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C).
• Water Parameters: Chili Rasboras thrive in soft, acidic water with a pH of 4.0 to 6.5 and a hardness range of 1 to 5 dGH. The addition of tannins from driftwood or almond leaves can help replicate their natural blackwater environment.
• Filtration: Use a gentle filter, such as a sponge filter or a low-flow internal filter, to avoid creating strong currents. These fish prefer slow-moving water.
• Aquascaping: Heavily plant the tank with species like Java fern, moss, or Anubias, and add floating plants to provide shade. The addition of leaf litter or driftwood will help create a more natural blackwater setup, which benefits their coloration and reduces stress.

Feeding

In their natural habitat, Chili Rasboras feed on small invertebrates and microorganisms. In captivity, they are easy to feed but require small-sized foods due to their tiny mouths.

• Staple Diet: High-quality micro-pellets or finely crushed flakes are ideal as a staple diet.
• Supplemental Food: For optimal health and vibrant colors, supplement their diet with live or frozen foods like daphnia, baby brine shrimp, or micro-worms. These will also encourage natural foraging behaviors.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them once or twice a day, ensuring they can consume the food within a few minutes.

Tank Mates

Chili Rasboras are peaceful and do best when kept in species-specific tanks or with other small, non-aggressive fish. Suitable tank mates include:

• Pygmy Corydoras
• Dwarf shrimp (like cherry shrimp)
• Small tetras (such as Ember Tetras)
• Celestial Pearl Danios

Avoid housing Chili Rasboras with larger or more boisterous fish, as they can easily become stressed or outcompeted for food.

Breeding Chili Rasboras

Breeding Chili Rasboras in captivity is possible with the right conditions. These fish are egg scatterers and prefer a heavily planted, well-established tank for spawning.

• Breeding Tank: Set up a dedicated breeding tank with soft, acidic water and plenty of fine-leaved plants like Java moss, which the female can use to scatter her eggs. Keep the water temperature around 78°F to 80°F (25°C to 27°C) to stimulate spawning.
• Spawning Behavior: Males will display brighter colors and court the females by swimming in circles around them. After spawning, the female will scatter the eggs among the plants.
• Caring for Fry: Chili Rasboras do not exhibit parental care, so it’s best to remove the adults after spawning to prevent them from eating the eggs. The eggs will hatch within 24 to 48 hours, and the fry will become free-swimming after a few more days. Feed the fry infusoria or liquid fry food, and gradually transition them to baby brine shrimp as they grow.

Conclusion

Chili Rasboras are a stunning, peaceful fish that make a vibrant addition to any nano or community aquarium. Their striking red color and tiny size, combined with their peaceful nature, make them ideal for planted setups and blackwater tanks. By providing a well-planted environment with soft, acidic water and offering a varied diet, these tiny fish will thrive and bring a splash of color to your aquarium. With the right care, they can live harmoniously with other small fish and even breed, making them a rewarding choice for aquarists of all experience levels.