Harlequin Rasbora
Posted by Max Gandara on on 19th Nov 2025
Harlequin Rasbora
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
The Harlequin Rasbora is a classic favorite in the aquarium hobby thanks to its bright coloration, active schooling behavior, and peaceful personality. This small fish is native to Southeast Asia, where it inhabits slow moving streams and peat swamps filled with soft, acidic water and dense vegetation.
One of the most recognizable features of the Harlequin Rasbora is the bold black triangular patch on its body, which contrasts beautifully with its coppery orange and pinkish tones. When kept in a larger group, their color becomes even more vibrant, and their tight schooling behavior creates an eye catching display.
Harlequin Rasboras are incredibly peaceful and thrive in community aquariums. They do best when kept in groups of six or more, allowing them to feel secure and show natural behavior. These fish get along well with other small, non aggressive species such as tetras, corydoras, dwarf gouramis, and peaceful shrimp.
In the aquarium, they appreciate soft to moderately hard water, stable conditions, and a planted setup with open swimming space. Dim or moderate lighting helps bring out their natural coloration. A mix of floating plants and rooted plants creates a comfortable environment similar to their native habitat.
Feeding them is simple, as Harlequin Rasboras accept a wide range of foods. High quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen foods, and live foods like daphnia or brine shrimp help enhance their color and keep them active.
The Harlequin Rasbora is a hardy, beautiful, and social fish that brings movement and color to any peaceful community aquarium. Their easy care, calm nature, and striking appearance make them an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists.