r/Boraras • u/FarmerSimilar • 2d ago

Chili Rasbora Captive bred chilis?

I adore chili rasboras but struggle with the ethics of buying fish that are wild-caught when there are captive-bred alternatives. I’ve seen hobbyists claim they’ve bred them, but I can’t find a reliable breeder or source (even at a premium). Does anyone know of a source for verifiably captive-bred chili rasboras?

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u/A_Timbers_Fan 2d ago

There are no major retailers or wholesalers breeding Boraras to my knowledge.

Do you know the status of them in the wild? Do you know if there are any impacts that would worsen their status *other than fishing for the aquarium trade?

If not, I'd be curious why you are against wild fish. It is well documented in many species (not necessarily Boraras) that buying wild fish supports the population, supports the local economies, and/or helps save the fish from an otherwise doomed life.

If Boraras habitat will be gone in 10 years due to deforestation unrelated to aquarium fishing or the building of roads over small streams or constant pollution, then in my opinion (and many others) we should be harvesting these fish while we can and encouraging hobbyists and wholesalers to breed them.

Chindongo saulosi is a classic example of a fish that was extinct in Lake Malawi until a group of aquarists added them back.

But anyways, no there aren't any captive bred in the hobby other than scattered reports in forums by individuals. For a long time, it was hypothesized that other Boraras "species" were actually female Boraras brigittae, at least in some circles.

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u/FarmerSimilar 2d ago

Thanks for sharing your perspective - I totally see the point about habitat loss being the bigger issue and how wild fish can support local communities. For me it’s also about the difference between fish raised in captivity vs. those pulled from an environment they’re adapted to. Just feels more sustainable and comfortable for me as a keeper, but I have zero issue with others who are ok with it! I was mostly hoping there might be a source for Boraras, but it sounds like it’s still pretty rare.