Harlequin Rasbora
Scientific Name : Trigonostigma heteromorpha
Common Names : Red Rasbora, Harlequin Fish
Care Level : Easy to Moderate, but only add to a tank that has already been through the aquarium nitrogen cycle.
Size : 2 inches (5 cm)
pH : 5.5 – 7.0
Temperature : 72°F – 80°F (22°C – 27°C)
Lifespan : 3 – 5 years
Origin / Habitat : Thailand
Temperament / Behavior : A peaceful fish and best kept in a small school (shoal) of 6 or more.
Breeding / Mating / Reproduction : They have been bred in captivity and are egg layers. Lays eggs underneath leaves.
Tank Size : 20 gallon minimum (schooling fish)
Compatible Tank Mates : They are a very peaceful little fish. Keep them in a small school and try not to keep them with larger fish that may be tempted to eat them or fish that may harass them.
Fish Disease : Freshwater Fish Disease
Diet / Fish Food : Omnivore – provide a varied diet with live food, frozen food and they should accept flake food.
Tank Region : Middle to top
Gender : Females are usually larger.
The Harlequin Rasbora is a long time favorite for many hobbyists. It has the signature black triangle shape that starts at the dorsal fin and continues to the caudal fin. These Rasboras are fairly hardy but they should only be added to tanks that have completed the aquarium nitrogen cycle. This is a schooling fish and will be happy with 6 or more of it’s own kind. They make a great addition to heavily planted tanks and community tanks.
The Harlequin Rasbora is sometimes confused with the Lambchop Rasbora (Trigonostigma espei) but the Lambchop Rasbora’s black region starting at the mid-section (dorsal fin) is not quite as large at the beginning of the black region and is shaped more like a “lamb chop” instead of the black triangular shape of the Harlequin.
It’s always a good idea to keep any new fish in a quarantine tank for a few weeks for monitoring before introducing them into your main tank.
They will accept smaller fish food including flakes, frozen, freeze dried and live foods.
