All Species
peacefulMid-level swimmer

Harlequin Rasbora Care Sheet

Trigonostigma heteromorpha

One of the most popular schooling fish in the hobby. The distinctive black triangular patch on a copper body makes them instantly recognizable. Peaceful and easy to keep.

Temperature

7281°F

pH Range

67.5

Min Tank Size

10 gallons

Lifespan

5–8 years

Adult Size

1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm)

Group Size

8+ (looks best in larger schools)

Breeding

Moderate-difficult. Deposit eggs on the underside of broad leaves (like Cryptocoryne). Need very soft, acidic water to trigger spawning.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivore — flakes, micro pellets, frozen/freeze-dried foods. Small mouth — needs appropriately sized food.

Natural Habitat

Native to peat swamp forests in Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand). Prefer soft, acidic, tannin-stained water.

Care Tips

Keep in schools of 8+ for the best display — they school tightly when they feel secure

Thrive in planted tanks with driftwood and tannins

Peaceful with everything — ideal dither fish for shy species

Hardy once acclimated but sensitive to sudden parameter changes

Indian almond leaves replicate their natural tannin-rich water

Tank-Mate Compatibility

Compatible Species (19)

Compatible

Neon Tetra

Both are peaceful schooling fish that mix well.

Compatible

Guppy

Both peaceful species, generally compatible.

Compatible

Corydoras

Both peaceful species, generally compatible.

Compatible

Molly

Both peaceful species, generally compatible.

Compatible

Platy

Both peaceful species, generally compatible.

Compatible

Swordtail

Both peaceful species, generally compatible.

Compatible

Cherry Barb

Both peaceful species, generally compatible.

Compatible

Dwarf Gourami

Both peaceful species, generally compatible.

Compatible

Bristlenose Pleco

Both peaceful species, generally compatible.

Compatible

Otocinclus

Both peaceful species, generally compatible.

Compatible

Cherry Shrimp

Both peaceful species, generally compatible.

Compatible

Amano Shrimp

Both peaceful species, generally compatible.

Compatible

Nerite Snail

Both peaceful species, generally compatible.

Compatible

Mystery Snail

Both peaceful species, generally compatible.

Compatible

Danio

Both peaceful species, generally compatible.

Compatible

Rainbowfish

Both peaceful species, generally compatible.

Compatible

Clown Loach

Both peaceful species, generally compatible.

Compatible

Goldfish

Both peaceful species, generally compatible.

Compatible

Catfish

Both peaceful species, generally compatible.

Use Caution (7)

Caution

Betta

Semi-aggressive species — monitor for aggression.

Caution

Angelfish

Semi-aggressive species — monitor for aggression.

Caution

Tiger Barb

Semi-aggressive species — monitor for aggression.

Caution

African Cichlid

Semi-aggressive species — monitor for aggression.

Caution

American Cichlid

Semi-aggressive species — monitor for aggression.

Caution

Knifefish

Semi-aggressive species — monitor for aggression.

Caution

Puffer

Semi-aggressive species — monitor for aggression.