Aquarium lovers love Rasbora Harlequin because of its vivid colors and serene disposition. This little, lively fish is a favorite among novice and expert aquarists alike because it brings a vibrant pop of color to any tank.
The Harlequin Rasbora is native to Southeast Asia and does best in warm, shallow waters. It is easily distinguished from other species by its striking black and orange markings and unique body shape.
The social behavior of Harlequin Rasboras is well-known, as they frequently swim in close groups. Their schooling habit makes them feel safe in addition to improving the aquarium’s aesthetic appeal. They make great tankmates for many other peaceful fish species because of their laid-back disposition.
| Characteristic | Description |
| Scientific Name | Trigonostigma heteromorpha |
| Size | About 4-5 cm (1.6-2 inches) |
| Temperament | Peaceful, great for community tanks |
| Water Temperature | 22-27°C (72-81°F) |
| Diet | Omnivorous, enjoys flakes, pellets, and live food |
| Tank Size | Minimum 20 liters (5 gallons) |
| Life Span | Up to 5 years |
Habitat
In 1904, Rasbora wedge-spotted was initially documented. Although there are allusions to a past era, it’s thought that they speak of a distinct species. The fish is found on the mainland and islands of Southeast Asia. Its natural habitats are peat bogs, tiny streams, and forest channels shaded by trees, with little to no current flowing through them. The organic matter (fruits, grass, tree leaves, etc.) in these reservoirs decomposes and gives the water a yellowish or brown tint.
Description
The fish is small, measuring only 5 cm, and its body shape is unremarkable.The color is also unremarkable. It can have a copper tint along the upper and lower body and range in color from light pink to bright orange. The presence of a black mark with a blue or purple tint, shaped like a triangle and extended towards the tail, is a distinctive characteristic of the species. The names given to artificially bred forms vary according to their coloring, such as Black Harlequin (whose color is as dark as the triangle spot) and Blue Harlequin (whose body color is blue).
Nutrition
Being an omnivorous species, it typically consumes worms, crustaceans, tiny insects, and zooplankton. It is advised to supplement a diet of dry food (flakes, granules) in a home aquarium with live items, like bloodworms, at least twice a week. Use natural dry bloodworms instead. It’s good to have some plant food added, like tiny bits of spinach and lettuce.
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Give our recently released product, which has quickly become a bestseller, a 4.9 on Ozon. Most fish in aquariums can eat flake food. The production of raw materials complies with new EU (EU 2018/848) standards. includes Omega 3-6 and vitamins A, C, D3, and E.
For successful maintenance, it is necessary to provide slightly acidic water, the best way is a filter with filter material that acidifies the water. Depending on the size of the tank, set the required power, keep in mind that the fish are not accustomed to the current that a working filter can create. The water should be renewed once a month at least a quarter. Dimmed lighting, such as under the canopy of trees. The design uses rooting plants with large leaves that reach the surface. Dense plantings of which are located along the side walls, floating plants will provide additional shade. The ground of any dark material, you can diversify it with pieces of bog wood, driftwood.
Social behavior
Compatible with the majority of small, calm fish. Because males must compete with numerous relatives for the attention of females, maximum coloring is achieved when they are kept in groups of at least ten individuals. Since the Harlequin Rasbora will try to draw other fish species to its game, some may be alarmed by a small flock (less than ten individuals), as not all fish species are prepared for such attention.
A colorful and easy-to-maintain fish, the Rasbora Harlequin brings life and color to any freshwater aquarium. This calm species, which looks great in community tanks with its striking black triangle patch and shimmering orange body, is a great option for novice and expert aquarists alike. It can adapt well to different tank conditions due to its hardy and social nature, as long as it has a clean, slightly acidic environment with lots of swimming space.
Sexual differences
Males and females are different in that the male’s body mark is slightly different in shape and smaller. The triangle’s vertices appear to be drawn farther apart and have a more rounded shape.
Breeding / reproduction
Breeding requires a careful approach and a separate tank. The spawning period can only begin if high-protein foods are included in the daily diet for a month.
While the fish are fattening, prepare a separate tank with a volume of at least 40 liters and fill it with water no more than 20 cm. Water parameters: very soft 1 – 3 dGH, slightly acidic pH 5.3-6.0, temperature 25-28 ° C. As for equipment, a simple filter with a sponge, installed at low power, the lighting is sufficient for what comes from the room / room. In the design, live or artificial plants with wide leaves are required, they will attach the eggs. Soil from large pebbles.
When the males become brighter in color, and the female"s abdomen is full, the pair is placed in a separate tank and continues to be fed high-protein food. Spawning can begin after a few days. The male arranges a mating dance, circling around the female, and points to the plant he likes, it is on its leaves that the eggs will be laid. The eggs are attached to the lower surface of the leaf, the fallen ones roll behind the stones and become inaccessible to the parents, who are not averse to feasting on their eggs. After spawning is complete, the fish are placed back in the general aquarium.
The water level in the tank is lowered to 15 cm., make sure that the eggs are not above the surface of the water. The fry appear in a day, and after another 3-5 days they begin to swim freely around the tank.
Rasbora Harlequin adds brilliant color and lively movement to any aquarium, making it a delightful addition. Because of their calm disposition, they are excellent candidates for community tanks, where they can live in harmony with other non-aggressive species.
Maintaining these fish is simple; they need well-planted surroundings, clean water, and a balanced diet. Because of their resilience, they can thrive in a variety of environments, which makes them ideal for both novice and seasoned aquarists.
You can witness the beauty and charm of Rasbora Harlequins flourish in your aquarium for many years to come, as long as you give them the proper conditions and attention.
