Espei rasbora

Trigonostigma espei

Also known as lambchop rasbora

FreshwaterFish

Espei rasbora (Trigonostigma espei) — AverageWalrus · CC BY-SA 4.0

Care at a glance

Temperature: 73–82°F (23–28°C)
pH: 6.0–7.0
Adult size: 1.5 in (3.8 cm)
Minimum tank: 11 gal (40 L)
Temperament: Peaceful
Social behavior: Schooling
Swim level: Middle
Difficulty: Easy
Breeding: Hard
Rarity: Rare
Origin: Thailand, Cambodia
Family: Cyprinidae

Overview

Keep a group of at least six to eight, more if you can, so they school properly. They are peaceful mid-water fish that pair well with other small, calm species. Feed quality flake, micro pellets, and small frozen foods like brine shrimp or finely chopped bloodworm. They want a planted tank, gentle current, and temperatures in the mid 20s C. About 40 liters suits a school.

In the wild

Espei rasboras come from slow streams and rivers in Thailand and Cambodia, often in water stained dark by tannins from rotting leaves. The water is soft and slightly acidic, with plenty of plant cover over fine sand or silt. Set them up with a planted tank, gentle flow, and some shade. Soft water around pH 6 to 7 brings out their best color.

Good to know

A small cyprinid in the family Cyprinidae, closely related to the harlequin rasbora, reaching about 3.8 cm. It carries a narrow black wedge along the rear half of the body, slimmer than the harlequin's broad triangle. It is an egg layer that scatters or attaches eggs near plants with no parental care, and it is considered difficult to breed at home. The IUCN lists it as Least Concern.

Did you know

Despite the harlequin comparison, espei rasboras turn a warm copper-orange over the body when settled, which is why hobbyists sometimes call them lambchop rasboras after the shape of that black wedge. Good water and a varied diet deepen that copper tone.