A striking, deeply red nano fish native to the blackwater streams and peat swamps of southern Borneo. They are extremely peaceful and require a mature, densely planted aquarium with soft, acidic water. Due to their tiny size, they are completely safe with adult dwarf shrimp and are ideal for nano setups.
At a Glance
Tank Requirements
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Water Parameters
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Temperament & Compatibility
Available Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard form. Males exhibit a brilliant, deep red coloration with a dark lateral stripe, while females are slightly plumper and often possess a slightly more muted, pinkish-orange hue. They must be kept in groups to feel secure.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Wild Type
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🟢Ideal Tank MatesChili Rasbora Care Guide Summary
The Chili Rasbora, scientifically known as Boraras brigittae, belongs to the Cyprinids family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 2 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and surface zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Chili Rasbora requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 19 litres and a tank length of at least 30 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 4–7 and a general hardness of 1–10 dGH. A low water flow is preferred. An aquarium test kit can help you monitor these values.
Due to its specialist needs, the Chili Rasbora is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. The Chili Rasbora is typically available in one standard form.
Chili Rasbora Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Chili Rasbora, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and surface zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise adequate surface area with floating cover to make them feel secure near the waterline and open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. Useful additions include leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat, dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress, and floating plants to diffuse overhead light and create shaded areas.
Chili Rasbora Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Chili Rasbora is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and surface zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Chili Rasbora.
5 Gallon
10 Gallon Standard
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
Show 27 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions About Chili Rasbora
How big does Chili Rasbora get?
Chili Rasbora (Boraras brigittae) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 2 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Chili Rasbora need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 19 litres and a tank length of at least 30 cm are recommended for Chili Rasbora. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Chili Rasbora need?
Chili Rasbora thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 4 and 7, and a general hardness of 1–10 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Chili Rasbora peaceful or aggressive?
Chili Rasbora is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 0 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Chili Rasbora should be kept together?
Chili Rasbora is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Chili Rasbora have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Chili Rasbora benefits from plants - densely covered, plants - floating, and leaf litter/blackwater in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Similar Species
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
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A breathtaking nano fish native to small, vegetated ponds in Myanmar. They feature a midnight blue body covered in pearlescent spots with striking red and black striped fins. CPDs are notoriously shy and require heavily planted aquariums to feel secure. Males will constantly display and mock-spar with each other, so a larger group is essential to disperse this behavior.
Harlequin Rasbora
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
A highly popular, peaceful schooling fish recognizable by its metallic copper/orange body and the distinct black triangular 'porkchop' patch on its hindquarters. Originating from peat swamps and blackwater streams in Southeast Asia, they are active swimmers that thrive in heavily planted aquariums with gentle to moderate water flow.
Threadfin Rainbowfish
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A delicate and exquisitely shaped nano rainbowfish native to New Guinea and Northern Australia. They are famous for the males' long, filamentous fins and butterfly-like display behavior. Due to their incredibly small throats, they require micro-foods. They are shoaling fish that are easily intimidated by boisterous tank mates.
Dwarf Gourami
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Celebes Rainbowfish
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An active, schooling fish native to the karst (limestone) streams of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Known for their striking neon blue lateral stripes and yellowish fins. They strictly require hard, alkaline water to thrive and are highly sensitive to soft, acidic conditions. A peaceful species that requires plenty of open swimming space.
Cherry Barb
Puntius titteya
A peaceful, schooling cyprinid endemic to the shaded streams of Sri Lanka. Unlike many of its barb cousins, the Cherry Barb is not a fin-nipper and makes an excellent community fish. They thrive in heavily planted aquariums with subdued lighting and leaf litter. Males display a striking cherry-red color, especially during spawning.