Common Name: Chili Rasbora / Mosquito Rasbora
Scientific Name: Boraras brigittae
Origin: Borneo, Indonesia (peat swamps & blackwater streams)
Maximum Size: 1.5 – 2 cm (0.6 – 0.8 inches)
🌿 Care Requirements
Tank Parameters:
pH: 5.0 – 7.0
gH: Soft (1 – 8 dGH)
Temperature: 22 – 28°C (72 – 82°F)
Tank Size: Minimum 5 gallons (best in schools of 10+)
Temperament: Peaceful, shy, active schooling fish
Diet: Omnivore – micro-pellets, crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, micro worms
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
💡 Behavior & Compatibility
Chili Rasboras are nano schooling fish that thrive in soft, tannin-rich waters. They are very peaceful and do best in heavily planted tanks with subdued lighting. When kept in groups of 10 or more, they form tight shoals and display vibrant red coloration with contrasting black markings.
🧬 Breeding Notes
They are egg scatterers and will spawn among fine plants or moss. Breeding is possible in soft, acidic water with low light. Parents may eat the eggs, so a separate breeding tank with moss or spawning mops is recommended. Fry are tiny and need infusoria, vinegar eels, or powdered fry food before moving on to baby brine shrimp.
🤝 Recommended Tank Mates
Other micro-rasboras (e.g., Phoenix Rasbora, Strawberry Rasbora)
Small peaceful tetras (Ember Tetra)
Nano-friendly bottom dwellers (Otocinclus, Pygmy Corydoras)
Dwarf shrimp (Cherry, Blue Velvet, Yellow)
⚠️ Avoid large or aggressive fish, as Chili Rasboras are very small and can be easily outcompeted or eaten.
⚠️ Additional Notes
These rasboras come from blackwater environments rich in tannins. A tank with Indian almond leaves, driftwood, and live plants mimics their natural habitat and enhances their colors. Stable water parameters are more important than chasing exact numbers. Their vivid red hue intensifies in soft, acidic water with gentle lighting.
Common Name: Chili Rasbora / Mosquito Rasbora
Scientific Name: Boraras brigittae
Origin: Borneo, Indonesia (peat swamps & blackwater streams)
Maximum Size: 1.5 – 2 cm (0.6 – 0.8 inches)
🌿 Care Requirements
Tank Parameters:
pH: 5.0 – 7.0
gH: Soft (1 – 8 dGH)
Temperature: 22 – 28°C (72 – 82°F)
Tank Size: Minimum 5 gallons (best in schools of 10+)
Temperament: Peaceful, shy, active schooling fish
Diet: Omnivore – micro-pellets, crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, micro worms
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
💡 Behavior & Compatibility
Chili Rasboras are nano schooling fish that thrive in soft, tannin-rich waters. They are very peaceful and do best in heavily planted tanks with subdued lighting. When kept in groups of 10 or more, they form tight shoals and display vibrant red coloration with contrasting black markings.
🧬 Breeding Notes
They are egg scatterers and will spawn among fine plants or moss. Breeding is possible in soft, acidic water with low light. Parents may eat the eggs, so a separate breeding tank with moss or spawning mops is recommended. Fry are tiny and need infusoria, vinegar eels, or powdered fry food before moving on to baby brine shrimp.
🤝 Recommended Tank Mates
Other micro-rasboras (e.g., Phoenix Rasbora, Strawberry Rasbora)
Small peaceful tetras (Ember Tetra)
Nano-friendly bottom dwellers (Otocinclus, Pygmy Corydoras)
Dwarf shrimp (Cherry, Blue Velvet, Yellow)
⚠️ Avoid large or aggressive fish, as Chili Rasboras are very small and can be easily outcompeted or eaten.
⚠️ Additional Notes
These rasboras come from blackwater environments rich in tannins. A tank with Indian almond leaves, driftwood, and live plants mimics their natural habitat and enhances their colors. Stable water parameters are more important than chasing exact numbers. Their vivid red hue intensifies in soft, acidic water with gentle lighting.
