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Chili Rasbora
Boraras brigittae
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Cyprinidae
📍 Southwest Borneo, Indonesia
One of the smallest aquarium fish, the chili rasbora glows brilliant red-orange in mature blackwater nano tanks. Best kept in groups of 15 or more to encourage confident schooling behaviour. Not suitable with large or boisterous tankmates.
Care Guide
Diet
Chili rasboras are micro-predators requiring small, frequent meals of live or frozen foods such as infusoria, micro worms, daphnia nauplii, and newly hatched brine shrimp. Supplement with high-quality powdered foods and finely crushed flakes designed for small fish. Feed small portions once daily, offering only what they can consume in a few minutes.
Behavior
Chili rasboras are peaceful, active schooling fish that display their brilliant red-orange coloration most vibrantly in groups of 15 or more and in dimly lit blackwater conditions. They are mid-water swimmers that dart playfully through vegetation and open spaces, becoming stressed and dull in isolation or small groups. They are non-aggressive toward other peaceful species but may be intimidated by larger or boisterous tankmates.
Breeding
Breeding chili rasboras in captivity is difficult and rarely achieved by hobbyists. They require soft, acidic water (pH 4.0-5.5), dense vegetation for egg scattering, and very small live foods for fry survival. Successful breeding requires patience, ideal water conditions, and a dedicated breeding setup separate from the main tank.
Tank Mates
Peaceful bottom-dweller with identical water parameter requirements; won't compete for food or space
Compatible with soft, acidic water; peaceful and won't prey on adult rasboras
Similar size, temperament, and water requirements; compatible schooling companion
Peaceful and compatible with blackwater setups; ensure adequate space to prevent territorial issues
Similar size and peaceful temperament; prefers similar soft, acidic water conditions
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, flashing against objects
Gradually raise water temperature to 28-30°C over 48 hours, maintain for 10-14 days; use aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment; perform daily 25% water changes
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent water changes; treat with antibacterial medication; ensure adequate filtration and remove any sharp tank decorations
Bacterial Infection
Open sores, ulcers, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, color fading
Perform 50% water change immediately; treat with broad-spectrum antibiotic medication; isolate affected fish if possible; maintain pristine water conditions
Parasitic Infection
Excessive scratching, weight loss despite feeding, visible parasites, clamped fins
Use anti-parasitic medication designed for small fish; perform frequent water changes; quarantine new fish before adding to main tank
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Tanks keeping this 🐟
Kept by 1 hobbyistCommunity tanks featuring Chili Rasbora.
Quick Facts
- diet
- Micro-predator – infusoria, micro worms, daphnia nauplii, powdered food
- lifespan
- 4–8 years
- max size
- 2 cm (0.8 in)
- tank size
- 5 gallons minimum
- school size
- 15+
- temperament
- Peaceful, schooling
Water it likes
- ph
- 4.0–7.0
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <10 ppm
- hardness
- 1–5 dGH
- temperature
- 72–82°F (22–28°C)