Chili Rasbora – The Tiny Jewel of Nano Aquariums

The Chili Rasbora (Boraras brigittae), also known as the Mosquito Rasbora, is one of the most beloved nano fish in the aquarium world. Despite their tiny size, these brilliant red fish pack a visual punch and thrive in planted tanks, where their schooling behavior and vivid colors truly shine.

Perfect for peaceful, small aquariums or aquascaped setups, Chili Rasboras are a favorite for hobbyists who appreciate subtle beauty, harmony, and natural behavior.

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Appearance

Though only about 0.6–0.8 inches (1.5–2 cm) in length, Chili Rasboras stand out with their deep red bodies and a bold dark horizontal stripe running from head to tail. Males display more intense coloration, especially during courtship or when kept in optimal conditions.

In a well-planted tank with dark substrate and soft lighting, their colors glow like tiny embers darting through the water.

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Behavior & Personality

Chili Rasboras are peaceful, social, and active fish that thrive in groups of 8 or more. The more you keep, the more natural and confident their schooling behavior becomes. These fish are non-aggressive and ideal for calm, community tanks or species-only nano setups.

They prefer the middle to upper levels of the tank and often swim in tight, shimmering formations.

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Tank Requirements

Despite their size, Chili Rasboras appreciate stable, high-quality water and do best in a mature, well-maintained aquarium.

? Tank Size:

• Minimum: 5 gallons for a group

• 10+ gallons recommended for larger schools or community tanks

? Ideal Environment:

• Dense planting with floating plants for shade

• Dark substrate to enhance color

• Gentle filtration and subdued lighting

• Driftwood and leaf litter to replicate blackwater biotope

? Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)

• pH: 5.0–7.0

• Hardness: Soft to moderately soft

• Enjoys tannin-rich water (optional)

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Diet

Chili Rasboras are micro-predators in the wild and need a fine diet in captivity.

Feed them:

• Micro pellets or powdered flakes

• Live or frozen foods: baby brine shrimp, daphnia, microworms

• Occasional treats: crushed freeze-dried bloodworms or mosquito larvae

Feed in small amounts 1–2 times daily. Their tiny mouths mean food size matters!

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Tankmates

Chili Rasboras do best with gentle, similarly sized species or on their own. Avoid any fish large enough to see them as food.

✅ Good tankmates:

• Other micro rasboras (e.g., Boraras merah)

• Pygmy Corydoras

• Small shrimp (e.g., Neocaridina, Caridina)

• Otocinclus catfish

• Sparkling Gouramis or Ember Tetras (with caution)

❌ Avoid:

• Aggressive, boisterous, or much larger fish

• Fast swimmers that may outcompete them for food

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Breeding

Breeding Chili Rasboras is possible in a quiet, species-only tank:

• Males intensify in color during courtship

• Eggs are scattered among fine-leaved plants or mosses

• Adults may eat the eggs, so a dedicated breeding setup is best

• Fry are tiny and should be fed infusoria or powdered fry food initially

Breeding can be subtle but very rewarding for patient aquarists.

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Final Thoughts: A Tiny Fish with Massive Charm

The Chili Rasbora proves that great things come in small packages. Their vivid coloration, peaceful nature, and schooling behavior make them a brilliant choice for nano tanks and planted aquascapes.

Whether you're creating a Southeast Asian biotope or a peaceful shrimp community, Chili Rasboras bring unmatched elegance and movement to any aquarium.

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Have you kept Chili Rasboras? Share your experiences, tank setups, or photos below—we love seeing how hobbyists showcase these little gems!