Chili Rasbora: Tank Size, Tank Mates & How Many to Keep

What size tank do chili rasboras need?

At least 5 gallons (20 liters) for a group of 8. The smallest standard tank that works is the 5 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Boraras brigittae.

How many chili rasboras in each tank size?

This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if chili rasboras are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.

Tank	How many chili rasboras
5 gallon	8
10 gallon	up to 14
20 gallon long	up to 28
29 gallon	up to 41
40 gallon breeder	up to 57
55 gallon	60 or more
75 gallon	60 or more
125 gallon	60 or more

Check chili rasboras against your own tank and other fish

Good to know

Keep at least 8. Alone or in twos and threes, chili rasboras hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.

Tank mates for chili rasboras

These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.

Poor matches

Guppy: They need different water: Chili rasbora likes a pH of 4.5–7, guppy likes 7–8.2.
Angelfish: Angelfish (about 6 in) can eat chili rasbora (about 0.8 in).
Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as chili rasbora.

Questions and answers

What size tank do chili rasboras need?

At least 5 gallons (20 liters) for a group of 8. The smallest standard tank that works is the 5 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.

How many chili rasboras should be kept together?

At least 8. Chili rasboras are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.

Can chili rasboras live in a 10 gallon tank?

Yes. A 10 gallon tank carries up to about 14 as the only fish in the tank.

What temperature do chili rasboras need?

73–82 °F (23–28 °C), with a pH of 4.5–7. In most homes that means a heater.

Can chili rasboras live with a betta?

Usually, yes, in a tank of 10 gallons (38 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–82 °F (24–28 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.

More fish

Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.