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
Water Parameters
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
Chili 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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chili Rasbora
How big does Chili Rasbora get?+
What tank size does Chili Rasbora need?+
What water parameters does Chili Rasbora need?+
Is Chili Rasbora peaceful or aggressive?+
How many Chili Rasbora should be kept together?+
Does Chili Rasbora have any special tank requirements?+
Similar Species
Threadfin Rainbowfish
Iriatherina werneri
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
Trichogaster lalius
A peaceful to semi-aggressive labyrinth fish native to South Asia. Famous for their brilliant metallic blue and red stripes. While generally suitable for community tanks, males are territorial toward each other and similar-looking fish. They are sensitive to water quality and prone to Iridovirus if stressed. Requires access to the surface to breathe.
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.
Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye
Pseudomugil gertrudae
A stunning, highly active nano fish native to Australia and New Guinea. Known for their striking blue eyes and the males' spectacular, heavily spotted fins which they flare during dominance displays. They are peaceful but require being kept in shoals to thrive and exhibit natural behaviors.
Japanese Ricefish (Medaka)
Oryzias latipes
A hardy, small, and colorful fish native to East Asia. Extremely popular in the outdoor pond hobby and nano aquariums. They are 'amphidromous' (tolerant of salinity changes) and can survive a wide range of temperatures, making them excellent tub/pond fish. They are surface dwellers that look best when viewed from above (top-down).
Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish (Praecox)
Melanotaenia praecox
A brilliant, active schooling fish native to the Mamberamo River basin in West Papua. Known for their iridescent neon-blue bodies, they are an energetic and peaceful addition to community tanks. Because of their high activity levels, they require ample open swimming space alongside planted areas. They are fast eaters and may outcompete shy tank mates for food.