Chili Rasbora

Boraras brigittae

Also known as: Mosquito rasbora, Boraras brigittae

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 20–28°C
• pH: 4–7
• Hardness: 18–179 ppm

Care Summary

A spectacular nano-tank specialist: adult males develop bright red-orange colouration that's among the most striking in the hobby, particularly in a planted blackwater tank with dark substrate and floating plants. Despite their beginner reputation in some shops, they require specific water conditions: soft, slightly acidic blackwater is essential for long-term health and natural colour. Aquatic plants like Hygrophila and Cryptocoryne provide ideal cover. Wild-caught specimens are sensitive and high-mortality; captive-bred individuals are hardier and the safer purchase. Australian hard tap water requires modification (RO water or peat extracts) to keep these long-term.

Tankmates

One of the smallest commonly-kept aquarium fish: at full size they're shorter than most aquarium shrimp. Their tiny mouth and slow movement make them unsuitable for any tank with fish that could view them as prey, including bettas (despite size) and even larger tetras. Best kept in groups of 10+ in a dedicated nano blackwater setup or with other equally tiny species. Truly shrimp-safe: too small to threaten adult or juvenile shrimp.

Compatible with

• Ember Tetra
• Pygmy Corydoras
• Cherry Shrimp
• Amano Shrimp
• Otocinclus

Avoid keeping with

• Betta
• Angelfish Adult
• Fin Nippers
• Any Larger Fish

Common Problems

• high mortality from wild-caught stock
• pale colour in hard or alkaline water
• stress in bright open tanks
• stress in groups smaller than 8

Sources: seriouslyfish.com, fishbase.org · Last updated: 2026-06-06