The Fatalii pepper is a very hot chili pepper originating from central and southern Africa, similar to a habanero in flavor and heat. Learn more about it.

Scoville Heat Units: 125,000-325,000 SHU
The Fatalii comes from central and southern Africa, and is one of the hottest peppers in the world. With the heat level of a habanero, it has a more fruity, citrus flavor, and packs an instant, intense burn, unlike the habanero, whose heat “sneaks up on you.”
The peppers grow to about 3 inches long, and mature to yellow. They have somewhat thin walls, and may be dried if cut lengthwise. They could be made into a powder for an intense spice, or frozen for later use.
Try my Pineapple-Mango-Fatalii Hot Sauce recipe.
Learn About These Other Hot Chili Peppers
- African Bird’s Eye / African Devil
- Devil's Tongue Pepper: All About Them
- Carolina Cayenne Chili Peppers
- Datil Pepper: Fiery Chili from St. Augustine
- Sugar Rush Chili Peppers
- Tshololo Chili Pepper
- Wiri Wiri Pepper
- Bahamian Chili Peppers
- Tiger Paw NR Chili Peppers
- Tabiche Chili Peppers
- Madame Jeanette Chili Peppers
- Jamaican Hot Chili Peppers
- There are even more here!
Steve Lucas says
I have grown exotic Habaneros for 17 years. I’ve grown at least 10 varieties from seeds and the Fatalii is absolutely in the top 3 favorite. The heat is instantaneous, the flavor is very lemony and is a beauty to look at. This is a must pepper with fish.
Mike Hultquist says
Thanks, Steve! Great peppers for sure.
Grant says
I agree with you: the fatali is one of my favorite peppers. I've got one plant growing now here in SoCal and I should be ready to harvest the peppers in another month.
Peter says
Fatalii is my favourite Chilli. I grow them every year over here on the UK. Superb flavour, scent ant heat. Sensational
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Yes! I love them, Peter. So good, very nice level of heat. Awesome.
Joseph G Greene says
The fatalii is a whole mouth experience where some are back of the throat, tongue only nope not this one it brings fire to the whole mouth!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Such wonderful peppers! I love them.
Phil Chouinard says
I've grown dozens of different types of peppers (mild to reapers, 7-pots, etc.) and this one is in my top 5. It's very versatile since -- like you say -- it brings a similar heat level to a hab, but a different flavor profile.