Chili Rasbora (Boraras brigittae): A Complete Care & Aquascaping Guide

Tiny, vibrant, and full of personality, the Chili Rasbora is one of the most sought-after nano fish in the aquascaping world. Their deep red bodies and contrasting black markings make them an instant focal point in planted aquariums. Despite their small size, their presence is huge, bringing energy and colour to any nature-style or nano tank setup. This guide covers everything you need to know to keep Chili Rasboras healthy, thriving, and looking their best.

Species Overview

• Common Name: Chili Rasbora

• Scientific Name: Boraras brigittae

• Origin: South Kalimantan, Borneo (Indonesia)

• Adult Size: 1.5–2 cm

• Lifespan: 4–6 years

• Temperament: Peaceful, shy, active shoaler

• Difficulty: Easy - Moderate (due to small size & sensitivity)

• Ideal For: Nano tanks, blackwater aquascapes, dense planted layouts

Natural Habitat

Chili Rasboras originate from peat swamp forests—dark, acidic waters packed with tannins, fallen leaves, twigs, and roots. The environment is extremely soft, warm, and dimly lit, giving the fish their vibrant red pigmentation. Replicating some of these conditions at home helps bring out their best colour and behaviour.

Appearance & Behaviour

Colouration

Chili Rasboras are known for their intense red tones, which deepen with high-quality diet and comfortable surroundings. They have a distinctive black - greenish stripe along the body.

Behaviour

They are peaceful but naturally shy, especially when kept in small groups. A large shoal of 12–20+ encourages more confidence and bold swimming.

Tank Level

Primarily mid-water, although they will explore all levels when they feel secure.

Tank Requirements

Minimum Tank Size

• Recommended: 20 litres+
  They are extremely small

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 22–28°C

• pH: 4.5–7

• Hardness: Very soft preferred 18-179ppm

Aquascaping Tips for Chili Rasboras

Chili Rasboras look incredible in lush, plant-heavy scapes. Consider:

• Floating plants (Salvinia, Frogbit, Red Root Floaters) to create areas of dappled light 

• Fine-leaf stems (Rotala rotundifolia, Myriophyllum, Limnophila) for a natural, forest-stream look

• Botanicals such as Indian almond leaves, alder cones, and bark pieces (optional)

• Dark substrates to make their colour pop, can mix in with a paler sand front if preferred 

They perform especially well in nano Iwagumi with shadows, Nature scapes, or botanical tanks.

Tank Mates

Because of their tiny size and shy nature, tank mates must be chosen carefully.

Suitable Companions

• Ember tetras (in larger tanks)

• Other Boraras species (strawberry rasbora, Least Rasbora, Blue neon Rabora)

• Pygmy Corydoras

• Otocinclus

• Freshwater shrimp (caridina, neocaridina shrimp, Amano shrimp) 
  

Avoid

• Any fish large enough to eat them

• Fast or boisterous species

• Shrimp-gobbling tank mates

For the most natural behaviour, many aquascapers keep them in a species-only display.

Diet & Feeding

Chili Rasboras have tiny mouths but big appetites. Offer:

• Micro pellets & nano granules
  

• Frozen micro foods

Frequent small feedings will dramatically enhance their colouration.

Breeding Chili Rasboras

Breeding is achievable but delicate due to their small egg size.

Requirements

• Soft, acidic water

• Dense plant cover or spawning mops

• Very gentle flow
  

Process

1. Condition adults heavily with live foods

2. Introduce a group to a dedicated breeding tank

3. Eggs scatter among fine plants

4. Remove adults to prevent egg predation

5. Fry hatch in 24–36 hours and require microscopic food initially

Raising Chili Rasbora fry can be challenging but very rewarding.

Common Health Considerations

Chili Rasboras are generally hardy once established but can be sensitive to:

• Poor water quality

• Sudden parameter changes

• Strong flow

• Rough handling during netting

Stable parameters are key. A mature, cycled, plant-dense tank dramatically reduces stress.

Why Chili Rasboras Are Great for Planted Tanks

• Their intense red colour contrasts beautifully with greens and dark woods

• Perfect for nano aquascapes and small feature tanks

• They shoal elegantly, adding movement without overwhelming the layout

• Ideal ambassadors for blackwater and botanical-style aquariums

They have become one of the most iconic fish in high-end planted tank design.

Conclusion

The Chili Rasbora is a tiny gem of a species—vibrant, peaceful, and perfect for aquascapers who appreciate subtle beauty and natural behaviours. With stable conditions, dense planting, and a calm environment, these miniature rasboras will reward you with confident schooling and rich, velvety reds.