CheckMyFishTank

Chili Rasbora care

Boraras brigittae · Freshwater · Intermediate level care

Chili Rasbora, painted illustration

A tiny red fish for nano tanks with soft water and gentle tankmates.

Smallest tank10 gallons
Adult size0.8 inches
Temperature73 to 82°F
pH4.5 to 7
GroupA group of 8 or more
TemperamentPeaceful
SwimsMiddle of the tank
Lives3 to 5 years
Watch for: They are very small, so most fish will outcompete or eat them.

Feeding

Twice a day. A small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes. Micro pellets, baby brine shrimp, crushed flakes.

Good tank mates

Fish that pass every check with Chili Rasbora in a 40 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.

Black Neon TetraBlack Phantom TetraBlack Ruby BarbBlack Skirt TetraBoesemani RainbowfishBrilliant RasboraBristlenose PlecoBronze CorydorasCherry BarbDiamond Tetra

Do not mix with

  • Silver Dollar: Silver Dollar grows big enough to eat Chili Rasbora.
  • Tinfoil Barb: Tinfoil Barb grows big enough to eat Chili Rasbora.
  • White Cloud Mountain Minnow: White Cloud Mountain Minnow and Chili Rasbora need different water temperatures.
  • Paradise Fish: Paradise Fish grows big enough to eat Chili Rasbora.
  • Angelfish: Angelfish grows big enough to eat Chili Rasbora.
  • Convict Cichlid: Convict Cichlid grows big enough to eat Chili Rasbora.
  • Oscar: Oscar grows big enough to eat Chili Rasbora.
  • Jack Dempsey: Jack Dempsey grows big enough to eat Chili Rasbora.

Questions

What size tank does a Chili Rasbora need?

At least 10 gallons for a group of 8. Adults grow to about 0.8 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.

What temperature does a Chili Rasbora like?

73 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 4.5 to 7. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.

How many Chili Rasbora should I keep together?

Keep 8 or more. They feel safe in a group and show better color and behavior.

What do Chili Rasbora eat?

Micro pellets, baby brine shrimp, crushed flakes. Feed twice a day: a small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes.

Sources

Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.