Chilli Rasbora (Boraras brigittae) is a small freshwater fish with a very distinctive appearance. The fish has a slender body that is torpedo-shaped and laterally compressed. The maximum size of this species is only around 2cm (0.8in), with females being slightly larger than males.
The fish’s scales are small and shimmering with a silver-greenish hue. Its fins are transparent with a slight reddish tint, and the dorsal fin is relatively large in proportion to its body. The most distinctive feature of the Chilli Rasbora is the striking red coloration that runs along its body, from the head to the tail. This red coloration makes the fish stand out in any aquarium and makes them a popular choice among hobbyists.
The eyes of the Chilli Rasbora are relatively large compared to its small size, and they have a dark black coloration. The mouth is small, and the fish has a pointed snout. Its caudal fin is forked, and the anal fin is relatively small. The pectoral fins are transparent and fan-shaped, while the pelvic fins are positioned close to the anal fin and are also transparent.
Chilli Rasbora (Boraras brigittae) Natural Habitat
From a Chilli Rasbora’s viewpoint, their natural habitat would consist of slow-moving streams, ponds, and marshes in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Malay Peninsula and Thailand. The water would be clear, with low to moderate water flow, and the temperature would range from 23-28°C. The water would also be soft to slightly acidic, with a pH range of 6.0-7.0 and a hardness of 1-8 dH.
In their natural habitat, Chilli Rasboras would live among dense vegetation, such as aquatic plants, fallen leaves, and roots. The substrate would be sandy or muddy, with occasional rocks or roots. The vegetation provides hiding spots and breeding sites for the fish. The water would be shaded by overhanging vegetation, which would help keep the water temperature stable and reduce the amount of direct sunlight.
Chilli Rasboras would also share their natural habitat with other fish species, such as other Rasbora species, danios, and gobies. They would feed on small insects, crustaceans, and other small invertebrates that live among the vegetation and substrate. The natural habitat would also have occasional floods during the rainy season, which would provide new breeding sites and food sources for the fish.
Overall, Chilli Rasboras prefer a natural habitat that is heavily vegetated, with soft, acidic water and low to moderate water flow. They prefer to live in large groups and would feed on small invertebrates among the vegetation and substrate.
Keeping Chilli Rasbora Healthy
The Chilli Rasbora is a delicate fish that requires careful attention to water quality and temperature. It has a care level of moderate difficulty, and is best kept in a species-only tank or with other small, peaceful fish that won’t outcompete it for food. It prefers a pH range of 5.0-7.0 and a temperature range of 24-28°C.
Boraras brigittae Special Requirements and Feeding
Chilli Rasbora should be kept in a well-planted tank with a soft substrate and regular water changes to maintain optimal water quality. They are omnivores and prefer a varied diet of small live and frozen foods such as daphnia, and brine shrimp according to most sourses however instore we feed ours on JBL Novo bea, as well as JBL Pronovo Bel Grano Xxs 100ml Click
How Many Should I Keep?
Chilli Rasbora are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 8-10 individuals to feel comfortable and secure.
Lighting Preference
The Chilli Rasbora does best in a dimly lit aquarium with plenty of hiding places, such as plants, driftwood, and rock formations.
Suitable Tank Mates for Boraras brigittae
Chili Rasbora, is a small, peaceful fish that can be kept with other small and peaceful species. Here are some suitable tank mates for Boraras brigittae:
- Other Small Rasboras: Since Boraras brigittae are peaceful and non-aggressive, they can be kept with other small rasboras, such as Harlequin Rasboras (Trigonostigma heteromorpha) and Emerald Dwarf Rasboras (Microrasbora erythromicron).
- Dwarf Corydoras: Dwarf Corydoras, such as Pygmy Corydoras (Corydoras pygmaeus) and Habrosus Corydoras (Corydoras habrosus), are small and peaceful catfish that can be kept with Boraras brigittae.
- Shrimp: Small shrimp, such as Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) and Ghost Shrimp (Palaemonetes paludosus), can make good tank mates for Boraras brigittae. However, it’s important to note that some fish may view shrimp as food.
- Snails: Small snails, such as Nerite Snails (Neritina spp.) and Ramshorn Snails (Planorbella spp.), can also be kept with Boraras brigittae.
It’s important to ensure that all tank mates are small and peaceful, as Boraras brigittae can be easily intimidated by larger or more aggressive fish. Additionally, providing plenty of hiding places and plants in the aquarium can help reduce stress and provide places for fish to retreat if needed.
Breeding Chilli Rasbora
Breeding Chilli Rasbora can be a rewarding experience for aquarium enthusiasts. Here is a detailed guide on how to breed them successfully:
- Set up a breeding tank: Prepare a separate breeding tank with a capacity of at least 10 gallons. Ensure that the tank has a heater, a sponge filter, and some live plants for the fish to lay their eggs on.
- Select healthy breeding pairs: Choose healthy, mature, and sexually active breeding pairs. Ensure that the males and females are evenly matched in size.
- Condition the breeding pairs: Feed the breeding pairs high-quality live and frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia to condition them for breeding. You can also provide them with some commercial foods to supplement their diet.
- Introduce the breeding pairs: Introduce the breeding pairs into the breeding tank in the ratio of 1 male to 2-3 females. Ensure that the tank has plenty of hiding spots and plant cover for the fish to retreat to.
- Observe spawning behaviour: Once the breeding pairs are settled in the tank, observe their behaviour closely. Chilli Rasboras are egg scatterers, so the females will lay their eggs on the plants and substrate.
- Remove the breeding pairs: After spawning, remove the breeding pairs from the breeding tank to prevent them from eating the eggs.
- Incubate the eggs: The eggs will hatch in 24-36 hours, and the fry will become free-swimming in another 2-3 days. Provide them with infusoria or liquid fry food for the first few days, and then gradually transition them to finely crushed flakes and other small foods.
- Maintain water quality: Ensure that the water quality is maintained at optimal levels by performing regular water changes and monitoring the parameters such as temperature, pH, and ammonia levels.
Breeding Chilli Rasbora can be challenging, and it may take several attempts to achieve success. However, with patience and proper care, you can successfully breed these beautiful fish and enjoy the experience of watching their offspring grow.
Sexual Dimorphism
Male and female Chilli Rasbora are difficult to tell apart, but females tend to be slightly larger and rounder in the belly when carrying eggs.
Lifespan
The Chilli Rasbora has a lifespan of around 2-3 years in captivity with proper care.
Distribution
The Chilli Rasbora is a naturally occurring fish found in the slow-moving streams and pools of the Malay Peninsula. It is also commonly bred in captivity for the aquarium trade.
Summary
Overall, the Chilli Rasbora is a small and delicate freshwater fish that requires careful attention to water quality and temperature. With a well-planted tank and a varied diet, they can thrive in a peaceful community with other small species.
Dry Goods Delivery.
The store has provided information regarding their order dispatch and estimated delivery times. Here are the key details:
- Dispatch Timeframe: Orders placed before 2pm will be dispatched on the same day. Orders placed after 2pm will be dispatched on the next working day.
- Delivery Date and Time Guarantee: While the store aims to dispatch orders promptly, they cannot guarantee a specific delivery date and time. As the delivery process relies on couriers, there may be factors beyond their control that could affect the delivery timeframe.
- 1st Class Mail: For orders sent via 1st Class mail, the aim is to have them delivered on the next working day after dispatch.
- 2nd Class Mail: Orders sent via 2nd Class mail typically take approximately 2-3 working days for delivery after dispatch.
- APC Next Day Delivery: APC Next Day delivery is available for UK mainland postcodes. It is usually delivered on the next working day after dispatch. However, please note that items being delivered to more remote areas may require additional time for delivery.
It’s important to keep in mind that while the store strives to provide efficient delivery services, unforeseen circumstances or external factors could potentially impact delivery times. For further details or specific inquiries about delivery, customers should refer to the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.
Livestock Delivery.
The store maintains specific policies regarding the delivery of livestock. Here are the key points:
- Licensed Livestock Courier: The store exclusively uses a licensed livestock courier for shipping fish and coral. This approach is chosen to ensure responsible and ethical transportation of the livestock.
- Livestock Shipping Fee: The livestock shipping fee charged to customers of £19.99 does not cover the true cost, and therefore, there is a minimum spend requirement of £30.00 before the option for livestock shipping becomes available.
- Pre-Arranged Delivery: The store never ships livestock without first arranging a suitable delivery day. Before dispatching the livestock, the store must confirm the agreed-upon delivery day with the customer.
- Saturday Delivery Confirmation: Customers who choose Saturday delivery must have their availability confirmed for the upcoming Saturday before the store sends out the livestock. This confirmation ensures that the livestock can be received promptly.
- Failure to wait for livestock: Not waiting for livestock, even if there is a reasonable delay, or cancelling an order after it has been dispatched will lead to you incurring charges for an emergency return to the base. Additionally, any losses of livestock will also be charged to you. Please be aware that the items you are ordering are living creatures – livestock. We kindly ask that you refrain from ordering livestock if you are unable to accommodate the possibility of a delayed delivery.
These terms and conditions are a fundamental aspect of our policy. Our primary goal is to dissuade individuals who could react negatively to a delayed delivery and subsequently request order cancellations. It is of utmost importance to underscore that your order pertains to living creatures, not mere inanimate objects. In the event of an occasional delay, it is crucial that you respond in a rational and responsible manner, taking into account the welfare of the livestock. We kindly request that you refrain from placing an order for livestock if you tend to react strongly to such situations. By proceeding with the order of livestock, you indicate your acceptance and agreement to abide by these specified terms and conditions.
- Signature Requirement: Livestock deliveries require a signature upon receipt and cannot be left in a safe location. This precaution ensures proper handling and the well-being of the livestock.
- Geographic Restrictions: The courier has strict geographic restrictions for livestock deliveries. Unfortunately, deliveries to Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly, Channel Islands, and certain Scottish offshore postcodes may not be possible. Customers are encouraged to contact the store via email to confirm if livestock delivery is available in their area.
- Minimum Order Value and Order Cancellations: The store has a minimum order value of £30 for livestock shipping. Additionally, the store reserves the right to cancel orders that are deemed high-risk or involve a high number of single tropical freshwater fish species.
It is essential for customers to familiarize themselves with these policies before making a purchase. For more detailed information or specific inquiries, customers should consult the store’s terms and conditions or reach out to the store directly for clarification.
Livestock Geographical Exemptions.
The store has specific geographical exemptions for livestock deliveries. Here is a list of the areas and postcodes where livestock delivery is not available:
- Islands: Livestock cannot be delivered to the Shetlands, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man.
- Postcodes: Livestock delivery is not available to the following postcodes:
- AB30 to AB39, AB41 to AB45, AB51 to AB56
- DD8 to DD10
- BT all
- DG3 to DG9, DG12 to DG14
- KA18 to KA19, KA26, KA29 to KA30
- HS all
- IM all
- JE all
- ZE all
- KW15 to KW17
- TD9
- FK17 to FK21
- GY all
- KA26, to KA28
- PA20 to PA38, PA41 to PA49, PA60 to PA61, PA76 to PA78
- TR21, to TR25
- PH3 to PH26, PH30 to PH44
- IV all
Customers residing in these areas should be aware that livestock delivery is not available to their location.
We can ship livestock to the Isle of Wight, this area is subject to a surcharge.
For further information or specific inquiries about livestock delivery to a particular area, customers are advised to contact the store directly for clarification.
Cancellation.
According to the store’s policy, customers have the right to cancel an order within 14 working days of receiving the goods. To initiate the cancellation, the goods must be returned to the store in new and unused condition, adhering to their Returns Policy.
Important points regarding the return process are as follows:
- Return Condition: The goods must be returned in new and unused condition, as originally received. It is important to ensure that the goods are in the same condition as when they were sent out.
- Return Timeframe: The goods must be received by the store within 21 days of notifying them about the cancellation. During this time, customers are responsible for any loss or damage that may occur during the return shipping process.
- Refund Process: Once the store receives the goods in new and unused condition, they will initiate the refund process. The purchase price will be refunded to the customer.
- Return Condition Inspection: If the returned goods arrive in a condition that is less than what they were sent out in, the store reserves the right to return the goods to the customer, and no refund will be processed.
It is essential for customers to carefully review the store’s Returns Policy and follow the specified procedures to ensure a smooth and successful return and refund process. For more detailed information or specific inquiries, customers should consult the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.
Returns.
According to the store’s return policy, the following guidelines should be followed for returning goods:
- Use Returns Form: Customers need to use the store’s provided returns form to initiate the return process. This form helps the store acknowledge that the goods are being sent back.
- Return for Testing: If the goods are being returned for testing, the customer is responsible for covering the return shipping expenses.
- Refund of Postage Fees: The store will only refund postage fees if the order arrives damaged or becomes faulty within the first 4 weeks of purchase. Proof of posting is important, and customers should ensure the goods are well-packed and obtain proof of posting as the goods remain their responsibility until received by the store.
- Refund of Postage Costs for Replacement: If goods are being returned within 7 days of purchase under the Replacement Policy, the store can refund postage costs. However, the customer needs to agree on a delivery service with the store in advance, and only standard or tracked shipping fees will be refunded. The store cannot refund the cost of any special delivery service.
- Non-Refundable Postage: Postage costs for goods returned for any other reason than those mentioned above are non-refundable. The store reserves the right to deduct the original postage cost from any applicable refund.
- Mistaken Purchases: If a customer has made a mistake in their purchase, they need to return the goods to the store. The customer is responsible for the return shipping costs in such cases.
It is important for customers to carefully follow the store’s return procedures and terms and conditions. For further details or specific inquiries, customers should refer to the store’s website or contact the store directly.
Replacements
If customers receive faulty goods, the following guidelines apply according to the store’s policy:
- Notification of Faulty Goods: Customers must notify the store within 7 working days if they receive faulty goods. This notification should be made as soon as possible.
- Replacement Parts: If possible, the store will dispatch replacement parts for the faulty goods.
- Return of Goods: If replacement parts are not possible, the store may request customers to return the faulty goods in accordance with their Returns Policy. The specific return procedures and conditions should be followed.
- Verification of Damage: Once the store receives the returned goods, they will verify the damage. If the damage is confirmed, the store will supply the required replacements.
- Return Postage Costs: If the goods returned to the store are found to be in good working order, the store is not able to refund the return postage costs. Additionally, the store reserves the right to deduct their original postage cost from any applicable refund.
- Consequential Loss or Damage: The store cannot take responsibility for any consequential loss or damage that arises directly or indirectly from the goods supplied.
Customers should carefully review and adhere to the store’s Returns Policy and procedures for returning faulty goods. For further clarification or specific inquiries, customers should consult the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.
Manufacturer’s Guarantees
The store works in collaboration with manufacturers to ensure that their guarantees are honored, and they make their best efforts to resolve issues within the warranty period. The following guidelines apply to refunds and replacements:
- Postage Costs under Manufacturer’s Guarantee: Postage costs can only be refunded if the goods are returned to the store within 7 days of the original purchase, as per the manufacturer’s guarantee.
- Refund of Postage Costs for Faulty Goods: The store will refund postage costs for guarantee/warranty returns only if the product becomes faulty within the first 4 weeks of receipt.
- Replacements with Manufacturer Authorization: Replacements, whether parts or goods, can only be offered when authorized by the manufacturer. Customers should contact the store for further guidance in such cases.
- Prior Approval for Returns: Goods should not be returned to the store without prior approval. Customers need to contact the store and obtain approval before returning any items.
- Replacement of Glass or Ceramic Items: Glass or ceramic items can only be replaced if the store is notified within 48 hours of receiving the delivery.
- Replacement of Glass Bulbs/Tubes: Glass bulbs or tubes can only be replaced if they become faulty within 14 days.
Customers should note and adhere to these guidelines to ensure a smooth and efficient resolution of any issues with their purchased items. For specific inquiries or further information, customers are advised to refer to the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.
Breakages
According to the store’s policy, customers have the following responsibilities regarding breakages:
- Checking Goods on Arrival: It is the customer’s responsibility to thoroughly check the goods upon arrival for any damage. This should be done before signing for the parcel. If the parcel appears damaged, it is advised not to sign for it.
- Reporting Breakages: Any breakages or damages must be reported to the store within 48 hours of receiving the goods. It is important to promptly notify the store to initiate the resolution process.
By carefully inspecting the goods upon arrival and reporting any breakages within the specified timeframe, customers can ensure that appropriate actions are taken to address the issue. For specific instructions on reporting breakages or further information, customers should refer to the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.
James (verified owner) –
Awesome nano fish, a nice school of these bring so much life to my 20 gallon heavily planted tank.
Tom (verified owner) –
Great little fish, can be a bit shy, and easily spooked by any tiny changes in the tank, but once they’ve relaxed a bit, a cloud of them weaving through a planted is gorgeous. Despite being tiny they’re pretty active and will use the space they’re given, so a nice long tank will get the best out of them.
Got 15 of them for a 25 gal, coloured up lovely in the couple of months I’ve had them.