Species profile
Chili Rasbora
Boraras brigittae
Peaceful
Moderate care
40 L minimum aquarium
1.8–3.5 cm adult size
Mid–top
Minimum group: 12
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Tiny soft-water rasbora best kept in a substantial shoal in a mature, heavily planted aquarium. Its minute size makes stable water quality and appropriately small tankmates especially important.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
25–28 °C
pH
4.5–7
GH
Up to 8 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 12
Tank zone
Mid–top
Territory level
None
Predation risk
Tiny fry
Bioload factor
0.2
Peaceful and naturally social. Keep at least 12, preferably more, because small groups are timid and show less natural shoaling behaviour. Avoid large, boisterous or predatory fish.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
Yes
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
40 L
Minimum footprint
45 × 25 cm
Accepted scientific name
Boraras brigittae
Alternative names
Chilli Rasbora, Mosquito Rasbora
Native range
Southern Borneo, Indonesia.
Natural habitat
Peat-swamp forest and associated slow, shaded waters rich in leaf litter and vegetation. Gentle filtration, dim areas and abundant fine plant cover suit the species.
Diet & feeding
Offer very small foods such as crushed quality flake, micro-granules, cyclops, daphnia and Artemia nauplii. Food particle size matters.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Mature males are usually more intensely coloured and slimmer; females are larger and rounder through the abdomen.
Breeding
Continual egg scatterer. Small numbers of eggs are deposited among plants or on leaf undersides; adults provide no parental care.