Chili Rasbora
Chili Rasbora
Chili Rasbora (Boraras brigittae) is one of the most spectacular nano fish in the freshwater hobby — males display an intense, deep red body accented by a bold black lateral stripe and a vivid red dot at the base of the tail, all packed into a fish barely 0.7 inches long. The species is named for Brigitta Witte, and the genus name Boraras is an anagram of Rasbora, coined when this group was given its own genus. Native to the blackwater peat swamp forests of southwestern Borneo, Indonesia, where the water is among the softest and most acidic in the world.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Micro Pellets (crushed or soaked briefly) and Sera Vipan Baby make excellent daily staples — the small particle size suits this fish's tiny mouth. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp and Hikari Frozen Daphnia. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily. These tiny rasboras have very small mouths — appropriately sized food is essential.
Native to the peat swamp forests and blackwater streams of southwestern Borneo — Kalimantan Barat province, Indonesia. The water in these habitats is extraordinarily soft and acidic, often reaching pH values as low as 3.5, deeply tannin-stained from the decomposing peat and leaf litter. Chili Rasboras are found in shallow, slow-moving streams and pools beneath a dense forest canopy where light barely penetrates.
Keep in groups of at least 10 — larger groups produce more vivid male coloration as males compete constantly for female attention. The near-continuous display behavior of a large mixed group keeps males in peak color. Compatible only with other nano species: small Corydoras, Sparkling Gouramis, nano tetras, and dwarf shrimp. Any active or larger fish will stress or outcompete them for food.
Egg-scatterers that spawn readily among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Eggs are tiny — fry require infusoria or commercially prepared micro-fry foods for the first few days before graduating to newly hatched baby brine shrimp. The Chili Rasbora is the quintessential blackwater nano fish — its combination of extraordinary coloration at tiny scale, blackwater habitat requirements, and constant social activity makes it one of the most rewarding and beautiful fish in the hobby for a properly set up planted nano aquarium.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy — Moderate |
| Temperament | Peaceful — nano blackwater community |
| Typical Adult Size | 0.7 inches (1.8 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 10 minimum — larger groups produce best color |
| Ideal Temp | 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 4.0–7.0 |
| Ideal GH | 0–10 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 0–5 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Micro Pellets (crushed/soaked); Sera Vipan Baby |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp; Hikari Frozen Daphnia |
| Origin | Southwestern Borneo (Kalimantan Barat), Indonesia — peat swamp forests |
| Notes | Named for Brigitta Witte. Boraras = anagram of Rasbora. Native pH can reach 3.5 in the wild. Males display intensely in large groups. Nano fish only — any larger fish will stress them. |
