Harlequin Rasbora Fact Sheet

A Peaceful and Delightful Fishused to.
I have grown up with the idea that this delightfulLive plants are a very good idea with the Harlequin
fish's scientific name was Rasbora heteromorpha. ThisRasbora.
used to be correct, with the heteromorpha referringCompanions
to the fact that this fish is not a typical Rasbora.The Harlequin Rasbora is very much a schooling fish
Now the name has been changed to Trigonostigmaand a reasonable sized group should be kept. A
heteromorpha because of the several differencesschool of a dozen Harlequin Rasboras is a beautiful
between the Harlequin Rasbora and the otherand striking sight. Although it is an Asian fish of a
Rasboras.different group, its characteristics are similar to many
It is also called the "Rasbora", the Harlequin and theof the small South American tetras.
Red Rasbora.I would avoid large or very aggressive fish, but the
It is native to Singapore, Malaysia, Sumatra and partsHarlequin Rasbora is an ideal fish for a community
of Thailand. It is found in small streams, often onestank of small fish. Suitable companion species are
coming from peat bogs where the water is stainedLemon Tetras, Neon Tetras, Cardinal Tetras,
brown with tannins. The water tends to be soft,Emperor Tetras, Head and Tail Light Tetras, Glowlight
acidic and low in total salts. This is one of the littleTetras, Corydoras Catfish, White Cloud Mountain
fish that can be found in the small ditches inMinnows and Zebra Danios.
Singapore.Breeding
Although I have seen reports of Harlequin RasborasOne of the reasons it was removed from the
reaching nearly 2 inches (5cm) nearly all are less thanRasbora genus was its breeding behaviour. The other
this. They will live for about 6 years,Rasboras are egg scatterers while the Harlequin
Water ConditionsRasbora attaches its eggs to the underside of
The Harlequin Rasbora is a tropical fish andleaves, turning upside down to do it.
temperatures of between 21 degrees C (70 degreesIn contrast to the ease of keeping the Harlequin
F) and 28 degrees C (85 degrees F) are suitable. IRasbora, the conditions for breeding need to mimic
recommend a temperature setting of 24 degrees Cthe natural habitat of this fish fairly well. A
(75 degrees F) for a mixed tank including this fishtemperature of 28 degrees C (82 degrees F) is
Although the water in its native habitat tends to besuitable. Soft, acidic water is essential; a ph of 6 with
soft, acidic and low in salts, it is able to adapt to livinghardness less than 3 degrees is alright. A high level of
in a wide range of water conditions, and can livetannins in the water is also recommended.
happily in neutral water somewhat harder than it is