Chilli Rasbora - Boraras brigittae

Chilli Rasbora (Boraras brigittae)

The Chilli Rasbora is a tiny and beautifully coloured freshwater fish admired for its vivid red body, dark lateral markings and delicate schooling behaviour. Despite its small size, a well-established group can create a striking display in a planted aquarium, particularly under subdued lighting with darker substrate. Peaceful and best suited to calm communities, this species thrives in mature aquariums with gentle filtration, soft water and plenty of plant cover.

Common Name:
Chilli Rasbora, Mosquito Rasbora

Scientific Name (Latin):
Boraras brigittae

Maximum Size:
Approximately 2 cm

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Chilli Rasbora originates from blackwater and slow-moving freshwater habitats in Southeast Asia.

It is associated with heavily vegetated streams, peat swamp environments and shallow waters containing leaf litter, submerged roots and tannin-rich conditions.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH Range: 4.5–7.0
Hardness: Soft
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: Kept low and stable

Temperament:
Peaceful

The Chilli Rasbora is a very peaceful species that should be kept with other small, calm fish.

It can be easily intimidated by larger or more boisterous tankmates, so a quiet community or species-focused setup is ideal.

Diet:
Omnivore / Micro-predator

Offer very small foods including crushed high-quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen or live baby brine shrimp, daphnia and other suitably fine foods.

Because of its tiny mouth, food size is important and several small feeds throughout the day can be beneficial.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 30 litres

Although extremely small, Chilli Rasboras are social fish and should be given enough space to maintain a proper group alongside planted shelter and open swimming areas.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Chilli Rasbora is an active shoaling fish that typically occupies the middle and upper areas of the aquarium.

Keep in groups of at least eight to ten individuals, with larger groups preferred where space allows.

Dense planting, floating plants and shaded areas help the fish feel secure and encourage stronger natural colouration.

Community Suitability:
Community Fish

The Chilli Rasbora is well suited to peaceful nano and planted community aquariums.

Suitable tankmates include other tiny rasboras, small peaceful tetras, dwarf Corydoras, small peaceful loaches and freshwater shrimp.

Avoid large, aggressive or fast-feeding species that may intimidate or outcompete them.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Keep in a mature aquarium with stable water chemistry and gentle filtration.

Soft, slightly acidic water is preferable, particularly where strong colouration and natural behaviour are desired.

Leaf litter, driftwood and botanicals can help create a more natural blackwater-style environment.

A darker substrate and subdued lighting can enhance the deep red colouration of mature fish.

Because of their very small size, ensure filter intakes are suitably protected.

Regular partial water changes and consistent feeding with appropriately sized foods are important for long-term health.

Suitable for:
Beginner to Intermediate

Availability:
Regularly available

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.