Chilli Rasbora - Boraras Brigittae : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Chili Rasbora (Boraras Brigittae) is a stunning and captivating little fish that has stolen the hearts of many aquarists. Known for its vibrant colours and peaceful temperament, this species is a perfect choice for small aquariums. To keep Chili Rasboras happy and healthy, it's best to keep them in groups of 12 or more. This not only allows for a natural-looking shoal but also encourages the males to display their bright red colours as they compete for the females' attention.
When it comes to choosing tankmates for Chili Rasboras, it's important to opt for small, peaceful species to avoid any conflicts in the aquarium. Luckily, there are many suitable options that can coexist with these petite fish. Caridina and Neocaridina Shrimp, Kuhli loaches, Otocinclus Catfish, Pygmy Corydoras, Dwarf Barbs, and Pseudomugil Rainbowfish are all great choices for tankmates. Just be sure to select species that are compatible with the Chili Rasboras' delicate nature, as they prefer a calm and tranquil environment.
These fish are best suited for heavily planted, soft water aquariums with plenty of hiding places. To mimic their natural habitat, floating species can be added to diffuse the light. Filtration should be good, but water movement should be gentle. Maintaining high water quality is crucial for these delicate fish, so regular water changes and careful acclimation are necessary.
The Chili Rasbora has a distinct reddish colour body with a dark stripe running along its side. Above the dark line, an intense red bar creates a stunning contrast. Males can be identified by the red highlights on their dorsal and anal fins. With the right tankmates and setup, these charming fish will undoubtedly make a stunning addition to any aquarium.
Chilli Rasbora Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Determining the sex of Chili Rasboras is a moderately easy task. Males exhibit darker black and red highlights on their dorsal and tail fins, which intensify when they reach breeding age, displaying a brighter red hue. On the other hand, females are slightly larger, plumper and typically have a duller colouration compared to their male counterparts.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Boraras Brigittae |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1978 |
| Other Names | Mosquito Rasbora |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Boraras |
| Origins | Indonesia |
| Max Size | 2 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 10+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 4.5 - 7.5 |
| GH | 3 - 8 |
| TDS | 18 - 179 |
| ℉ | 74 - 82 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 23 - 27 |
Natural Habitat
Chili Rasboras are indigenous to the captivating Southwestern Borneo and Indonesian provinces of Kalimantan Tengah and Kalimantan Selatan in Southeast Asia. These exquisite creatures are known to dwell in the tranquil waters of blackwater streams, pools, and rivers, surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking landscapes.
What makes their habitat truly remarkable is the unique conditions of these swamps and streams. The water is dark, creating an air of mystery and intrigue. This distinctiveness is due to the gradual decay of organic materials, such as twigs, leaves, and branches, which fall into the water, creating an ecosystem that is both complex and fascinating.
Breeding
Chili Rasboras are a continuous spawning species, and successful breeding can be achieved with a methodical approach. To create the ideal breeding environment, a separate tank with subdued lighting and elevated temperature is recommended. The breeding tank should have abundant plant life and a suitable substrate, such as a mesh cover or plastic grass, to provide a secure location for the eggs.
Prior to breeding, conditioning the Rasboras with high-quality nutrition is essential to promote reproductive readiness. Once the breeding group is introduced to the breeding tank, spawning should commence within a few days. It is crucial to remove the parents from the breeding tank as Chili Rasboras are known to eat their own eggs.
The eggs will hatch in 2 to 3 days, and the fry will feed off their yolk sacs for another 24 hours before requiring a specialized diet of powdered or microscopic food. You will need to condition the Rasboras for a couple of weeks before introducing them to the breeding tank; once conditioned, place two or three pairs into the tank, then spawning should take place the following morning.
Chili Rasboras do not seem to seek the eggs actively, but if given the opportunity, they will eat them, so after a couple of days, you will need to remove the parents. The eggs will hatch 2 to 3 days later and will live off their yolk sacs for a further 24 hours, and after that, you will need to feed them powdered or microscopic food.
Diet & Feeding
Chili Rasboras have an uncomplicated and versatile diet that caters to their nutritional requirements. To maintain optimal health, it is recommended to provide a balanced and varied diet that includes high-quality micropellets and crushed flakes. Additionally, offering small frozen foods such as mini-bloodworm, cyclops and baby brine shrimp will help to meet their dietary needs. It is important to note that these fish have small mouths, and care should be taken to ensure that the food is appropriately sized for them.
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