Nearly translucent silver with a black stripe underlined in a stroke of glowing orange, as though someone highlighted it. The smallest and most delicate of the three harlequin-type rasboras.
Temperament
Common health issues
- Ich (white spot)
- Fin rot
- Skin conditions
- Swim bladder disorder
Care at a glance
- ExerciseModerate
An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.
- GroomingRoutine tank care
Weekly partial water changes keep them in top shape.
- Living spaceNano-tank friendly
Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.
- Owner experienceSome experience helps
A little know-how makes life smoother.
- Commitment4โ6 years
Plan for a long, loving relationship.
Health to watch: Ich (white spot) ยท Fin rot ยท Skin conditions
๐ Care guide
Hengel's Rasbora (Trigonostigma hengeli) comes from the blackwater peat swamps of Sumatra and Borneo and reaches only about 2.5 to 3 cm. It is often sold mislabelled as the lambchop rasbora, but it is distinctly smaller and more transparent, and the bright orange band sitting above its black wedge is the reliable way to tell them apart. A group of ten or more suits a heavily planted tank of 45 litres or more at 24-28C with a pH of 5.0 to 7.0 and soft water; it colours up best in genuine blackwater conditions with leaf litter and tannin-stained water. Feed micro-pellets, fine flake and small live or frozen foods such as daphnia, cyclops and baby brine shrimp. Be honest about the difficulty: this species is more sensitive to hard, alkaline water and to unstable conditions than its relatives, so it is a better fish for a keeper who already runs a stable soft-water tank than for a brand-new setup.
Frequently asked questions
How active is a Hengel's Rasbora?
Moderate. An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.
How much maintenance does a Hengel's Rasbora need?
Routine tank care. Weekly partial water changes keep them in top shape.
What tank size does a Hengel's Rasbora need?
Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.
Is a Hengel's Rasbora a good fit for first-time owners?
Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.
How long do Hengel's Rasbora live?
4โ6 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.
What health issues affect the Hengel's Rasbora?
Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Skin conditions. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.
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