Chili Rasbora Care Guide: Tank Setup, Feeding, Size & More

Chili Rasboras (Boraras brigittae) are tiny, bright red freshwater fish perfect for nano tanks. They grow to just 0.75 inches and are peaceful, making them ideal for planted aquariums with gentle tank mates. These fish thrive in soft, warm water with plenty of plants and dim lighting. In this care guide, you’ll learn how to set up the right tank, water conditions, food, and ideal tank mates to keep Chili Rasboras healthy, active, and colorful.

Table of Contents

Chili Rasbora Overview

Chili Rasboras come from the slow-moving, blackwater streams of Borneo. They’re part of the Boraras genus and are known for their tiny size and striking red color. These fish are peaceful and active, often seen swimming in groups near the middle of the tank.

Quick Profile

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Boraras brigittae
Size	0.6–0.8 inches
Lifespan	4–6 years
Temperature	74–82°F
pH Range	5.0–7.0
Tank Size	Minimum 5 gallons
Temperament	Peaceful, schooling

Tank Setup for Chili Rasboras

Minimum Tank Size

You can keep a small group in a 5-gallon tank, but 10 gallons or more is better. These fish are active swimmers and love being in groups.

Substrate and Plants

Use a dark substrate to bring out their color. Add live plants like Java moss, Anubias, and floating plants. Plants help them feel secure and mimic their natural environment.

Lighting and Filter

Stick to low to medium lighting. A sponge filter is ideal—it keeps the water clean without creating strong currents.

Water Parameters and Maintenance

Temperature: 74–82°F (ideal: 78°F)
pH: 5.0 to 7.0 (soft, slightly acidic water)
Water hardness: Soft to moderately soft
Ammonia & nitrites: 0 ppm
Nitrates: Below 20 ppm

Do 20–30% water changes weekly. Keep water changes gentle to avoid stressing these delicate fish.

Feeding Chili Rasboras

What They Eat

Chili Rasboras are micro predators in the wild. In tanks, feed them:

Micro pellets
Crushed flakes
Baby brine shrimp
Daphnia
Microworms

Feed them twice a day in small amounts. Their mouths are tiny, so food must be bite-sized.

Behavior and Schooling

Chili Rasboras are peaceful and active. They do best in schools of 8 or more. In groups, they swim together and display their best colors. If kept alone or in small numbers, they may hide and lose color.

Tank Mates for Chili Rasboras

These fish are very peaceful, so they need gentle companions. Great options include:

Ember Tetras
Celestial Pearl Danios
Pygmy Corydoras
Otocinclus Catfish
Cherry Shrimp (safe with adult shrimp)

Avoid aggressive or large fish. Even peaceful fish like Bettas can nip at them or cause stress.

Related Post: Cherry Shrimp Tank Mates

Breeding Chili Rasboras

Breeding them is possible but needs care.

Spawning Tips

Raise the temperature to 80–82°F
Feed live foods to condition them
Add dense plants or a spawning mop

Males chase females and scatter eggs among plants. Remove adults after spawning—eggs and fry are tiny and may be eaten.

Raising Fry

Eggs hatch in 2–3 days
Feed infusoria, then baby brine shrimp
Keep water clean and stable

Common Health Issues

Most health problems come from poor water quality or stress. Watch for:

Faded color
Clamped fins
Lethargy
White spots (Ich)

Prevention is better than cure. Keep water clean and test regularly. Quarantine new fish before adding them.

Is the Chili Rasbora Right for You?

Chili Rasboras are great for aquarists who love small tanks, planted aquascapes, and peaceful fish. They’re easy to care for if you provide stable, soft water and peaceful surroundings.

FAQs

How many Chili Rasboras should I keep?
Keep at least 6, but 10–12 is best for schooling behavior.

Do Chili Rasboras need a heater?
Yes. They’re tropical fish and need warm water between 74–82°F.

Can they live with shrimp?

Yes. They’re shrimp-safe, especially with adult shrimp.

Are they good for beginners?
Yes, if you can maintain stable water parameters.

Final Thoughts

Chili Rasboras are small, colorful, and peaceful fish that fit beautifully in nano or planted aquariums. They’re beginner-friendly but thrive best with consistent care. Keep their tank planted, water soft and warm, and enjoy watching their vibrant schooling behavior.