Chili Rasbora

The Poor Cousin (*Boraras urophthalmoides*):

Beware of commercial rip-offs. Often the much less prized *B. urophthalmoides* are sold by mistake (or malice) instead of true Chilis. The *B. urophthalmoides* are very faded and have very little red on the body (only rust), having instead a flashy neon orange stripe above the black line. True *B. brigittae* have their entire body and head literally saturated with uniform ruby red.

Nano Tanks and the Right to School:

Being less than 2 cm long, Boraras are among the very few vertebrates that can be happily kept long-term in micro-cube tanks (20-30 liters / 5-8 gallons). However, this is not an excuse to isolate them. SOLD TOO OFTEN IN PAIRS, they will waste away from psychological stress and starve: they imperatively need large schools (10, 15, 20 specimens) to feel sufficiently protected and explore the aquarium. In a 30-liter tank, 15 Boraras brigittae will provide an exceptional show and zero bacterial overcrowding.

Victims of Unconscious Predation:

The most common mistake in pet stores is selling them as schooling fish for community aquariums. DO NOT MAKE THIS MISTAKE. A Betta Splendens, a Gourami or a large Tetra will swallow them whole in one bite in less than a week. Even if they are not swallowed, the mere presence of 6 cm fish in the tank will freeze the Boraras behind the filter out of pure terror. They must coexist only with Shrimp (e.g., Red Cherry) or dwarf Corydoras.

Black Water and Tannins:

Do not put them in hard tap water. To show that magnificent ruby color you see in photos (and strengthen their highly delicate immune system), the water must be exceptionally soft and acidic (pH below 6.5). Use remineralized RO water and fill the bottom with Indian almond leaves or alder cones twigs: the amber-colored water will make them crazy with joy.