Warm copper-orange carrying a black wedge shaped like a small chop, thicker at the front and tapering to the tail. Softer in colour than a harlequin and just as easy to keep.
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.
- GroomingEasy tank upkeep
No grooming here โ steady water quality and routine tank care do it.
- 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
The Lambchop Rasbora (Trigonostigma espei) comes from the peat swamps and slow blackwater streams of southeastern Thailand and Cambodia, and reaches about 3 to 3.5 cm. It is closely related to the harlequin rasbora but slimmer, with a warmer copper body and a narrower black marking that gives it its name. Its natural water is soft, acidic and stained brown by leaf litter. Keep a group of at least eight, and preferably twelve, in a planted tank of 45 litres or more at 23-27C with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0 and soft to moderately soft water. Dark substrate, driftwood, dried leaves and floating plants bring out the colour and make the fish far bolder. Feed small flake, micro-pellets and frozen or live daphnia, cyclops and baby brine. It is peaceful, undemanding and an excellent community fish for anyone past their first month in the hobby, and it pairs well with small tetras, corydoras and dwarf shrimp.
Frequently asked questions
How active is a Lambchop Rasbora?
Moderate. An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.
How much maintenance does a Lambchop Rasbora need?
Easy tank upkeep. No grooming here โ steady water quality and routine tank care do it.
What tank size does a Lambchop Rasbora need?
Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.
Is a Lambchop Rasbora a good fit for first-time owners?
Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.
How long do Lambchop Rasbora live?
4โ6 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.
What health issues affect the Lambchop 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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