Chili Rasbora
Chili rasbora, a very small, delicate species of ray-finned fish, are native to South West Borneo, Indonesia. They inhabit slow moving, heavily vegetated, blackwater peat swamps. Their small size makes them ideal for nano tanks, where their stunningly beautiful colors make them a standout attraction. Their name comes from their intense, bright red coloration, resembling small red hot chili peppers. They can be shy and prone to stress in small numbers, preferring groups of eight or more. Their environment should be heavily planted with abundant hiding places. When they feel secure, they can be refreshingly bold, showing lively curiosity.
- Scientific name: Boraras Brigittae
- Size: 0.6 to 0.8 inch
- Lifespan: 4 to 8 years
- Water parameters:
- pH range: 4.0 to 7.0 (prefer slightly acidic conditions like their native peat swamps)
- Temperature range: 72F to 82F
- Water hardness: 1 to 8 dGH (17-136 ppm), 0 to 4 dKH (0-68 ppm)
- Stability, consistency more important than chasing any "perfect" numbers
- Diet: Omnivorous, flake food, dried or frozen baby brine shrimp or daphnia, well-rounded diet enhances health and colors
- Breeding: Egg-scattering, non-guarding fish that breed best in heavily planted or moss filled softwater tanks
- Temperament: Peaceful, schooling fish, like to be in groups of 8 or more, plenty of hiding places in hardscape and plants are desirable
- Water flow: Coming from slow moving waters, they like gentle yet thorough water flow, well oxygenated but not turbulent
- Filtration: They like clean water with proper balance of nutrients, oxygen, CO2, moderate light, like most aquatic plants, weekly 25% water changes, monitor water conditions regularly