Chili Rasbora
Boraras brigittae
Minimum Tank
5 Gallons
Adult Size
0.75 inches
Temperature
75-82°F (24-28°C)
pH Range
4.0-7.0
Lifespan
6 years
School Size
10+ fish
About Chili Rasbora
The chili rasbora is one of the smallest aquarium fish in the hobby, reaching barely three-quarters of an inch at full maturity. Native to the blackwater peat swamps of Borneo, Indonesia, it lives in extremely acidic, tannin-stained waters among submerged roots and leaf litter. Despite its tiny size, the chili rasbora displays a vivid ruby-red body with a dark lateral stripe and bright red highlights on the fins. They are true nano fish that thrive in small, well-maintained tanks and are popular among aquascapers for adding living color to small planted setups. Chili rasboras are peaceful, shy fish that do best in species-only tanks or with other tiny, gentle companions.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 5-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
- • pH: 4.0 - 7.0
- • Category: Rasbora
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Chili rasboras do best in a dedicated nano tank of at least 5 gallons with very gentle filtration, plenty of plants, and a dark substrate. They prefer soft, acidic water at 68-82°F with tannins from Indian almond leaves or driftwood. Keep them in groups of at least ten, as they are most confident and colorful in larger schools. Avoid housing with larger or boisterous fish that may intimidate or eat them. Feed micro-foods like crushed flakes, micro-pellets, and live or frozen baby brine shrimp and daphnia. They are sensitive to water quality swings, so maintain stable parameters with regular small water changes. A mature, established tank is essential.
Quick Facts
19L
Min Tank (5gal)
2cm
Adult Size (0.75")
6yr
Lifespan
10+
Min School
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Chili Rasbora
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Emerald Eye Rasbora
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Scissortail Rasbora
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Tank Mates for Chili Rasbora
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Spotted Blue-Eye Rainbowfish
Pseudomugil gertrudae
moderate · 10+ gal
Otocinclus
Otocinclus sp.
moderate · 10+ gal
Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
easy · 10+ gal
Blue Velvet Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi var.
easy · 5+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other moderate-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Chili Rasbora need?
A Chili Rasbora needs a minimum tank size of 5 gallons (19 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 10.
What water parameters does a Chili Rasbora need?
Chili Rasbora thrive in water between 75-82°F (24-28°C) with a pH of 4.0-7.0.
Are Chili Rasbora easy to care for?
Chili Rasbora are considered moderate to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 6 years.
How big do Chili Rasbora get and what do they eat?
Chili Rasbora reach about 0.75 inches and are omnivores. Chili rasboras do best in a dedicated nano tank of at least 5 gallons with very gentle filtration, plenty of plants, and a dark substrate. They prefer soft, acidic water at 68-82°F with tannins from Indian almond leaves or driftwood. Keep them in groups of at least ten, as they are most confident and colorful in larger schools. Avoid housing with larger or boisterous fish that may intimidate or eat them. Feed micro-foods like crushed flakes, micro-pellets, and live or frozen baby brine shrimp and daphnia. They are sensitive to water quality swings, so maintain stable parameters with regular small water changes. A mature, established tank is essential.