The Chilli Rasbora, scientifically known as Boraras brigittae, is a tiny, vibrant freshwater fish that has captured the hearts of aquarists worldwide. Native to the blackwater streams and peat swamps of Indonesia, particularly in Borneo, this species is part of the Boraras genus, known for its small size and striking coloration. The Chilli Rasbora is especially beloved for its bright red body, which can range from a deep, fiery red to a more subtle orange hue, accented with a black vertical stripe near the tail, making it a standout in planted and nano aquariums.

Given its diminutive size, the Chilli Rasbora is an ideal inhabitant for nano tanks, requiring a minimum tank size of just 5 gallons for a small group. Despite their size, they are best kept in schools of at least 8-10 individuals, as they are a schooling species that displays more natural and confident behaviors when in the company of their own kind. This schooling behavior, combined with their vibrant color, creates a visually stunning display in the aquarium.

The aquarium setup for Boraras brigittae should aim to replicate the soft, acidic conditions of their natural habitat. This includes providing tannin-stained water with a low pH, achieved through the use of peat filtration, driftwood, and leaf litter, such as Indian almond leaves, which also offer hiding places and contribute to the naturalistic setting. The tank should be well-planted with live plants that offer additional cover and mimic the densely vegetated waters they originate from.

The diet of the Chilli Rasbora is omnivorous, with a preference for small live and frozen foods in captivity. In the wild, they feed on tiny invertebrates and zooplankton. To ensure a balanced diet, they should be offered a variety of foods, including micro pellets, daphnia, brine shrimp, and finely crushed flake food. The small size of their mouths requires the provision of appropriately sized food particles to facilitate easy feeding.

Breeding Boraras brigittae can be a subtle process due to their small size and the delicacy of fry. They are egg scatterers, depositing their eggs among the substrate and vegetation. The breeding tank should be set up with fine-leaved plants or a spawning mop to catch the eggs, and the water conditions should closely match those of their natural environment to encourage spawning. The fry are extremely small and require infusoria or commercially available liquid fry food until they are large enough to eat micro worms or baby brine shrimp.

Caring for the Chilli Rasbora involves maintaining pristine water conditions, with regular water changes and careful monitoring of water parameters to ensure a clean and stable environment. Their peaceful nature makes them compatible with other similarly sized and tempered species, making them a perfect addition to a community tank of small, peaceful fish and invertebrates.

In summary, the Chilli Rasbora, Boraras brigittae, offers aquarists the opportunity to keep a strikingly colorful and active species that thrives in the peaceful setting of a well-maintained aquarium. While their care requires attention to their specific dietary and environmental needs, the rewards of keeping Chilli Rasboras include the enjoyment of their vibrant coloration and lively schooling behavior, enhancing the beauty and diversity of the aquatic world in miniature.