Boraras brigittae "Chili Rasbora" (young adults)

Imported on 2/27/26, shipping start on 3/9/26

IUCN Red List: Not Evaluated

Important note: These fish are wild-caught, please proceed with caution.

Boraras brigittae (“Chili Rasbora”)

Boraras brigittae, commonly known as the Chili Rasbora, is one of the most popular and brilliantly colored nano fish in the hobby. Native to the peat swamp forests and blackwater streams of southwestern Borneo (Indonesia), this species inhabits shallow, slow-moving waters stained dark with tannins and shaded by dense forest canopy. Males develop intense chili-red coloration with a distinct dark lateral stripe, while females are slightly larger, rounder, and display more subdued tones. When kept in proper soft, acidic conditions and large groups, their color becomes exceptionally vivid.

Size:
Adults reach approximately 1.5–2 cm (≈ 0.6–0.8″) total length.

Water parameters:
Soft, acidic blackwater conditions are strongly recommended.
pH 4.0 – 6.8
GH ≤ 5 °d
KH ≤ 2 °d
TDS < 120 ppm
Provide gentle flow, dense plant cover, floating plants, and leaf litter to replicate their natural habitat. Dark substrate and tannins will enhance coloration.

Temperature:
24 – 28 °C (75 – 82 °F); stability is important due to their small size.

Food:
Micro-predators. Feed small live or frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, microworms, and finely crushed high-quality micro pellets.
Food size must be very small — they have tiny mouths.

Important note:
Although hardy once established, Chili Rasboras are sensitive to ammonia, nitrite, and sudden parameter changes. A mature, stable aquarium is strongly recommended. Keep them in groups of at least 10 individuals; larger groups (15–25+) will result in better schooling behavior and stronger coloration.

Tankmates:
Best kept with other tiny, peaceful soft-water species such as Boraras, Sundadanio, small Parosphromenus, or gentle shrimp species.
Avoid larger, fast, or aggressive fish.
They thrive in calm, heavily planted aquariums with minimal competition for food.

Breeding:
Egg scatterers. In densely planted or leaf-litter-rich aquariums, they may spawn naturally without intervention. Eggs are scattered among fine-leaved plants or botanicals and receive no parental care.
Eggs typically hatch within 24–36 hours, and fry become free-swimming shortly after.
Feed fry infusoria or liquid fry food initially, followed by baby brine shrimp as they grow.

Providing heavy plant cover and botanicals significantly increases fry survival in community setups.