Chili Rasbora (Boraras Brigittae)

Chili Rasbora (Boraras brigittae) — The Fiery Jewel of the Nano Aquarium

The Chili Rasbora (Boraras brigittae) is one of the most beloved nano fish in the planted aquarium hobby. Tiny in size but enormous in visual impact, this miniature rasbora from the blackwater peat swamps of Borneo blazes with an intense red-orange colouration accented by bold black lateral stripes — a combination that earns it the name “Chili” and makes it one of the most striking fish available for small aquariums.

Big Colour in the Smallest Package

At just 1.5–2 cm in length, the Chili Rasbora is one of the smallest schooling fish in the hobby — but what it lacks in size it more than compensates for in colour and character. In a well-planted nano aquarium with dark substrate and tannin-stained water, a school of 15–20 Chili Rasboras creates a breathtaking display of flickering red that rivals any fish many times their size. Their natural schooling behaviour and constant, darting movement make them endlessly captivating to watch.

Care Profile

• Scientific Name: Boraras brigittae
• Origin: Borneo (Kalimantan, Indonesia) — blackwater peat swamp habitats
• Size: Up to 1.5–2 cm (one of the smallest aquarium fish)
• Temperament: Peaceful; best kept in schools of 15 or more for natural schooling behaviour and reduced stress
• Diet: Micro-predator — accepts micro pellets, baby brine shrimp, micro worms, and finely crushed flake food
• Water Temperature: 22–28°C
• pH: 4.0–7.0 (thrives in soft, acidic, tannin-rich water; colour is most vivid in blackwater conditions)
• Tank Size: Suitable from 20 cm / 20L upward; ideal for nano tanks of 30–60L
• Note: Due to their tiny size, avoid keeping with any fish large enough to eat them — best kept as a species tank or with other nano fish and dwarf shrimp

Aquascape Compatibility

Plant-safe and an excellent companion for dwarf shrimp such as Neocaridina and Caridina species. Chili Rasboras thrive in heavily planted nano aquariums with dark substrates, driftwood, Indian almond leaves, and soft, acidic water that replicates their Bornean blackwater habitat. Their fiery red colouration is most vivid and intense in these conditions, creating a spectacular contrast against lush green planting.

Tiny, fiery, and utterly captivating — the Chili Rasbora is the nano fish that proves the best things truly do come in small packages.