Despite the size of only 0.6-inch, Chili Rasbora (scientific name: Boraras brigittae), or the so-called Mosquito Rasbora, gives an unforgettable impression with its bright, dynamic coloration making your tank lively than ever before.
The nano fish is native to Borneo, Indonesia where many small ponds and slow-moving streams exist. Its natural habitats somehow hint at the ideal conditions fishkeepers should create in their home aquarium: tropical environment containing plenty of live aquatic plants and acidic water rich in tannins and leaf litter. Fairly speaking, Chili Rasboras take little effort to be cared for, provided that you maintain the water parameters stable and clean. So long as the requirement is fulfilled, this freshwater fish itself could stay healthy and happily and display its optimal coloration.
Chili Rasbora is considered a schooling species. Thus, it must be kept in groups of at least 6 specimens. Nevertheless, the more the better. Given its tiniest body, you only need an aquarium of 5 gallons to let them splash and hang around, unless you aim to introduce your Chili Rasboras into a community tank. Chili Rasboras are peaceful and tend to be super active when living together. Alone, the species is a little red dot in a spacious area but when crowded, they exhibit fascinating behaviors which find you no bore to watch. Although the fish are not commonly known for jumping, they do try to leap out of the tank sometimes. In order to prevent this happening, a tight-fitting lid for your aquarium is inevitable.
Chili Rasboras can get along well with many other species that have the living conditions and temperaments in common. Nonetheless, be careful of the larger or boisterous tankmates as Chili Rasboras are easily startled and stressed if encountering them suddenly.
What You Can Expect From This Fish:
- Ideal for nano aquariums
- Bright and dynamic coloration
- Super active and bring life to aquariums
RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS:
- Temperature: 75° – 82°F (23° – 27°C)
- pH: 4.0 – 7.0 though slightly acidic water is preferable
- KH: 3-12 dKH
- GH: 1-2 dGH
- Minimum tank size: 5 gallons
CARE GUIDELINES:
- Diet: Despite being an omnivore, Chili Rasbora’s diet is mainly carnivorous foods. They will accept high-quality flake food, pellets, and live, frozen, or freeze-dried Artemia, micro worms, Tubifex, and finely chopped bloodworms.
- Feeding habits: Since they are small, you should break up the fish foods into small pieces so they can fit Chili Rasbora’s mouth.
- Social behavior: Peaceful, active
- Origin: Borneo, Indonesia
- Average adult size: 0.6 – 0.8 inch (1.5 – 2 cm)
See more details about care guide for Chili Rasbora here.