Overview
- The Espe’s Rasbora (Trigonostigma espei), also called the false harlequin or lambchop rasbora, is a small copper-orange rasbora with a black wedge mark.
- Native to forest streams in southwestern and southeastern Thailand and nearby Cambodia.
- Grows to about 1.2 in (3 cm) standard length.
- Looks similar to the harlequin rasbora, but has a slimmer black mark.
Feeding
- A micropredator that eats small insects, worms and zooplankton in the wild.
- Easy to feed. Offer small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia and brine shrimp alongside quality dried foods.
Habitat
- A tank with a base of 24 × 12 in (60 × 30 cm).
- Shows the best color in a planted tank with a dark substrate.
- Water: 73–82°F (23–28°C), pH 5.5–7.5, GH 1–10.
Fish Care
- Hardy in a well-maintained tank. A popular choice for aquascapes.
Compatibility
- Very peaceful. Good with small cyprinids, tetras, livebearers, dwarf cichlids, catfish and loaches.
- Avoid large or boisterous fish.
Aquarium Behavior
- A schooling fish. [UNVERIFIED] Keep at least 8–10.
Breeding
- No parental care.
- Eggs are attached to the underside of broad leaves, such as Cryptocoryne, rather than scattered.
- Fry may appear in mature, densely planted tanks.