Lambchop Rasbora

About

The lambchop rasbora (Trigonostigma espei) is a small, peaceful fish from the slow-moving ponds, marshes, and heavily planted swamps of Thailand and Cambodia. Its common name comes from the distinctive dark body marking. Thinner and more elongated than the broader triangle seen on its close relative the harlequin rasbora, and paired with a warm copper-to-reddish body color that really shows under good lighting. That same marking is what helps experienced keepers tell this species apart from the similar T. hengeli, which carries a greyer body and a flash of orange on the anterior edge of its marking. In the aquarium, the lambchop rasbora is about as easygoing as a fish gets. It causes no trouble with tankmates, tolerates a reasonable range of water conditions, and does well alongside tetras, livebearers, dwarf cichlids, loaches, and other small community fish. Like most schooling species, it genuinely benefits from being kept in a group. Aim for at least eight to ten fish. A larger school not only looks more natural, it settles the fish down and encourages males to show their best color as they posture and display toward each other. Active and curious, these fish also seem to enjoy playing in gentle water flow from a filter outlet. A solid choice for beginners with a bit of planting in the tank.