Chili Rasbora

The Chili Rasbora, also known as the Mosquito Rasbora, is a small, colorful freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia. It is a popular choice for aquarium hobbyists due to its vibrant appearance and peaceful nature. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about this fascinating little fish.

Appearance

The Chili Rasbora is a small fish, reaching a maximum size of only 2.5 cm (1 inch) in length. Due to its tiny size, a suitable fish for nano tanks. It has a bright red-orange coloration on its body and fins, which is especially striking when seen in a school. The fins are relatively large in proportion to the body, and the tail is forked.

Natural habitat

The Chili Rasbora is native to the slow-moving rivers and streams of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, and Southern-Borneo, Indonesia. It typically inhabits heavily vegetated areas with plenty of hiding spots and slow-moving water. The water is usually dark, slow current, peat-stained and very low in minerals, with a pH of lower than 4 at times. These beautiful tiny fish were discovered in 1978, so it’s a relatively recently described species. They were found in the forest areas of Borneo known to be full of mosquito’s, therefore the fish is also known as Mosquito Rasbora.

Behavior

Chili Rasboras are peaceful and social fish that do well in groups. They are active swimmers and enjoy exploring their surroundings. They are known for their jumping ability, so be sure to provide a tight-fitting lid for your aquarium.

Breeding and lifespan

Chili Rasboras are egg scatterers and can lay up to 50 eggs per day. They prefer a densely planted aquarium with plenty of hiding spots for the eggs to attach to. The eggs will hatch in 24-48 hours, and the fry can be fed infusoria or finely ground commercial food. The lifespan of Chili Rasboras is typically around 6 to 8 years. They are quite easy fish to breed because they spawn continuously when the conditions are good. Best practice is to have a separate breeding tank because rasbora’s might eat their own eggs and or fry.

Diet

In the wild, Chili Rasboras feed on small crustaceans, insects, and other tiny organisms. In captivity, they will readily accept a variety of foods, including flakes, pellets, and frozen or live foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms.

Keeping Chili Rasboras in an Aquarium

Chili Rasboras are suitable for community aquariums, but they do best when kept in a school of at least 8 individuals. A minimum tank size of 38 liters (10 gallons) is recommended, with plenty of plants and hiding spots. The ideal water temperature for Chili Rasboras is between 23-27 °C (72-81 °F), with a pH range of 4.0-7.0, and 6.0 being ideal. Due to their small size keep water parameters as stable as possible, this is very important.