TankBud

Espei rasbora

Trigonostigma espei

Also known as lambchop rasbora, Pork Chop 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
Egg layer · Hard
Rarity
Rare
Family
Cyprinidae
Origin
Thailand, Cambodia

Overview

The Espei rasbora is a small, peaceful schooling fish for a planted community tank. It is easy to keep.

Did you know

Espei rasboras turn a warm copper-orange over the body once they settle in. Hobbyists sometimes call them lambchop rasboras, after the shape of their black wedge.

Caring for the Espei rasbora

Keep Espei rasboras in a group of at least six to eight, and more if you can, so they school properly. A tank of 11 gal (40 L) or more suits a school. Give them a planted tank with gentle current and some shade.

Soft water at a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 brings out their best color. Hold the temperature at 73 to 82°F (23 to 28°C). Feed quality flake, micro pellets and small frozen foods like brine shrimp or finely chopped bloodworm. Good water and a varied diet deepen their copper tone.

Espei rasboras are peaceful fish of the middle water that pair well with other small, calm species. They lay eggs, scattering or attaching them near plants, and give no parental care. Breeding them at home is considered difficult.

Good to know

The Espei rasbora, Trigonostigma espei, is a small cyprinid in the family Cyprinidae, closely related to the harlequin rasbora. It carries a narrow black wedge along the rear half of the body, slimmer than the harlequin's broad triangle. It also goes by pork chop rasbora. The IUCN lists it as Least Concern.

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.

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Tank mates

The Espei rasbora is a peaceful, schooling species that keeps to the middle. These picks share a community profile with it, are safe together in both directions, and overlap on water type, temperature and pH.

Check the full mix in the stocking calculator

Common questions

What size tank does an Espei rasbora need?

An Espei rasbora needs at least 11 gal (40 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does an Espei rasbora need?

An Espei rasbora is comfortable at 73–82°F (23–28°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.0.

What does an Espei rasbora eat?

An Espei rasbora eats quality flake and micro pellets. Small frozen foods like brine shrimp or finely chopped bloodworm suit it too.

How big does an Espei rasbora get?

An adult Espei rasbora reaches about 1.5 in (3.8 cm).

Does an Espei rasbora need a group?

Yes. An Espei rasbora is a schooling species and should be kept in a group, not singly.

How does an Espei rasbora breed?

Espei rasboras lay eggs, scattering or attaching them near plants, and give no parental care. Breeding them at home is considered difficult.

Related species