Species guide
Chili Rasbora Care Guide (Boraras brigittae)
Fish
Chili rasboras (Boraras brigittae, often sold as phoenix rasbora) are tiny red-black schooling fish. They want soft, calm, planted water and a group of 10+. They are not CPDs, not neons, and not ‘nano betta tank mates’ by default.
- Tiny school
- Blackwater-ish
- 10+ gal
- Not CPD
Quick facts
| Temp | 24–27 °C typical |
|---|---|
| pH / GH | Soft, slightly acidic; they fade in hard alkaline tap |
| Volume | 10+ gal / 40 L; 5 gal is a last resort for a tiny group |
| School | 10–12+; fewer = constant hiding |
| Size | ~1.5–2 cm — smallest common ‘community’ fish |
| Cover | Moss, botanicals, dim light, floaters |
| Filter | Sponge or heavy baffle — they hate current |
| Food | Baby brine, micro pellets, vinegar eels — adult flakes are too big |
Overview
CPDs are spotted danios that like it a bit cooler. Chilis are Boraras: smaller, more blackwater, even shyer. Neons are giants next to them and will hog food.
Moss: Java moss. Cycle: fishless. Nano: $50 nano. Shrimp: cherry · crystal red (CRS only if water already matches). Cover plants: Anubias · fern.
How to keep them
-
Step 1
Buy a dozen, not a trio
Three chilis disappear into décor forever. Ten is the start of a visible school.
-
Step 2
Stain the water a little
Catappa / alder cones + moss. Crystal-clear high-noon LED makes them look like dust.
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Step 3
Kill the current
Sponge filter. HOB only with a prefilter sponge and baffle. They are not hillstream loaches.
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Step 4
Feed dust-sized food
If tetras or guppies share the tank, chilis starve. Species-only or feed after lights-out.
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Step 5
Mature tank only
New tanks with ammonia blips wipe nano schools. Cycle first. See fishless cycle.
Common problems
Invisible fish, ‘empty tank’ look
Why: Too few + too bright + too much flow.
Fix: Add more chilis, moss, floaters; slow the filter.
Deaths after a big water change
Why: Tap GH/pH spike.
Fix: Tiny matched changes; condition; consider RO mix.
Ich after shipping
Why: Stress + temperature swing.
Fix: Quarantine; gentle heat; planted-safe treatment.
Starving while other fish look fat
Why: Food size / competition.
Fix: Separate or target-feed micro foods.
Tank mates
Gear for this species
TetraMin Tropical Flakes Fish Food, Nutritionally Balanced for Tropical Fish
Cám nổi classic cho cá cộng đồng nước ngọt — cá nhỏ đến trung bình.
Aquarium Glue, Clear Coral Glue for Plants, Rocks, Moss, Coral, Stone, Wood – Quick Drying, Fish Safe, Freshwater & Saltwater Aquascaping – 5g (2PCS)
Uses: - Used to attach moss/epiphytes to rocks, driftwood... - Can be applied when the plant or substrate is wet - Gel form, does not dry out like 502 glue over time
Nano setup under $50 — Chili rasboras need a dozen fish and almost no current
FAQ
Chili vs phoenix rasbora?
Often the same Boraras brigittae in shops. Confirm the Latin name. Care is the tiny blackwater school recipe.
Chili vs CPD?
CPD = Danio margaritatus, spotted, slightly larger/cooler. Chili = Boraras brigittae, smaller, more tannin-stained cover.
How many in 10 gallons?
10–16 if plants and sponge filtration are solid. Do not add neons ‘for color’.
Do they need CO₂?
No. Low-tech planted + moss is enough. See low vs high-tech.
Will they eat shrimp?
Adults rarely hunt adult cherries. Shrimplets are optional snacks. Heavy moss helps.
Can they live in a vase or 3-gal?
No. Stability and schooling space fail. 10 gal is the honest minimum.
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