Chili Rasbora (Boraras brigittae)

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Boraras brigittae
• Common Name: Chili Rasbora
• Adult Size: 0.6 to 0.8 inches (1.5 to 2 cm)
• Life Expectancy: 4 to 6 years with proper care
• Habitat: Native to the blackwater peat swamps and slow-moving streams of southern Borneo (Indonesia); typically found in warm, acidic, tannin-rich waters with dense aquatic vegetation and leaf litter

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallons (19 liters) for a small group; larger tanks recommended for bigger groups
• Ideal Temperature: 74–82°F (23–28°C)
• pH Range: 4.0–6.8
• Water Hardness: Very soft to soft (1–8 dGH)
• Temperament: Extremely peaceful; best kept in schools of at least 8–10 individuals for comfort and natural behavior

Diet & Nutrition

• Omnivorous: Yes — eats micro foods in the wild such as insect larvae, micro-crustaceans, and plankton. In captivity, thrives on high-quality micro pellets, crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and other small live/frozen foods.

Appearance

• Tiny, slender body with a translucent reddish hue
• A bold, dark lateral stripe runs from the mid-body to the tail, often bordered with iridescent red
• Males are more brightly colored and slender; females are slightly rounder and paler

Distinctive Features

• Among the smallest rasboras available in the aquarium hobby
• Intense red coloration, especially under soft lighting and in blackwater setups
• Ideal for nano tanks and heavily planted aquascapes
• Very sensitive to poor water quality — requires pristine, stable conditions
• Best kept with other tiny, non-aggressive species or in species-only tanks