Chilli Rasbora

The beautiful, diminutive Chilli Rasbora is known only from heavily-vegetated, peat forest swamps in southern Borneo, Indonesia. These fish are an ideal choice for small, heavily planted softwater aquaria. The tank must be mature and have myriad of hiding places amongst driftwood and thick vegetation, which should include floating species to help diffuse the light. Filtration should be good but water movement gentle. These peaceful shoaling fish can be rather timid, so a decent sized group of 12 or more will help them to feel more secure. A larger group will also result in a more effective, natural-looking shoal, with males displaying their best colours as they compete with one another for female attention. Tankmates, if desired, must also be small and peaceable; for example, small Caridina and Neocaridina shrimp, Kuhli loaches (Pangio spp.), Otocinclus catfish, pygmy Corydoras spp., Eirmotus octozona, Trigonostigma spp., and Blue Eyes (Pseudomugil spp.) could all be considered suitable. Much attention must be paid to water quality since Chilli Rasboras are somewhat delicate and do not tolerate elevated nitrates or swings in water chemistry. Acclimatise very carefully. This species is very similar in appearance to its congener B. urophthalmoides, the Spice Rasbora; these two species being the only members of the genus that possess a dark lateral body stripe. However, they can be told apart as follows: B. brigittae attains a larger adult size and displays an insignificant dark blotch on the caudal peduncle (vs. very obvious caudal blotch in B. urophthalmoides) plus B. brigittae tends to be a brighter red colour overall. In some cases, the lateral dark stripe on B. brigittae is broken rather than one solid line, and sometimes the tiny caudal blotch is absent.

Acclimating fish:

• If received after 24-48 hours, slow drip acclimating fish to quarantine tank.
• If received after 2+ days, equalize water temp by floating bag. Try not to pour bag water into aquarium, drain over net externally and drop fish into quarantine tank.