What is the difference between a Lambchop Rasbora and a Harlequin Rasbora?

The Lambchop Rasbora (T. espei) is smaller, more slender, and possesses a brighter copper-orange colouration. Its black marking looks like a lamb chop or hockey stick. The Harlequin Rasbora (T. heteromorpha) is larger, deeper-bodied, has a pinker hue, and features a solid, prominent dark triangle on its flank.

Can Lambchop Rasboras live with cherry shrimp?

Yes, they are highly compatible. Because of their tiny mouths, Lambchop Rasboras pose virtually no threat to adult dwarf shrimp. While they might occasionally snack on a newly hatched shrimplet that wanders into the open, a planted tank will ensure the vast majority of your shrimp colony survives.

Why are my Lambchop Rasboras losing their colour?

Colour loss is usually a sign of stress. This can be caused by keeping them in too small a group, poor water quality, a lack of hiding spaces, or overly bright lighting. Adding floating plants and ensuring a group size of at least eight will help bring their vibrant copper colours back.

How many Lambchop Rasboras should I keep together?

They are a highly social schooling species and should be kept in a group of at least 8 to 10 individuals. Larger shoals of 15 or more will result in even more natural schooling behaviour and reduced stress.

Do they require a blackwater aquarium setup?

While they originate from blackwater habitats and look spectacular under tannin-stained water, tank-bred Lambchop Rasboras do not strictly require blackwater. They will thrive in a well-planted tank with clean, slightly acidic to neutral water.

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Lambchop Rasbora

Trigonostigma espei

The Lambchop Rasbora is a small, vibrant schooling fish famous for its brilliant copper colouration and distinctive lambchop-shaped black marking.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 23 – 28 °C
pH range: 5.5 – 7.5
Hardness: 1 – 10 dGH
Adult size: 2.5 – 3 cm
Standard 60cm aquarium: 60 litres+
Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
Diet: Omnivore / Micro-predator
Water flow: gentle
Preferred setup: Densely planted with open swimming space, driftwood, and optional leaf litter.

About the Lambchop Rasbora

The Lambchop Rasbora (Trigonostigma espei) is a breathtaking addition to the planted aquarium. Often confused with its slightly larger and deeper-bodied cousin, the Harlequin Rasbora (Trigonostigma heteromorpha), this species boasts a more slender profile and a brighter, copper-bronze base colour. The defining characteristic is the black marking on its flank, which resembles a lamb chop or a hockey stick, rather than a full triangle. Because of their peaceful nature and stunning metallic sheen, they are highly sought after by aquascapers and nano-aquarium enthusiasts alike.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Lambchop Rasbora comes from

Native range

Southeast Asia

Countries / regions

Thailand, Cambodia

Habitat

Slow-flowing, tannin-stained forest streams and peat swamps shaded by dense jungle canopy.

Populations are largely restricted to specific drainages in southeastern Thailand and southwestern Cambodia.

Similar species

Harlequin Rasbora
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
Glowlight Rasbora
Trigonostigma hengeli
Chili Rasbora
Boraras brigittae

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
Both are peaceful, similarly sized shoaling fish that appreciate soft water and heavily planted environments.
Great
Pygmy Corydoras
Corydoras pygmaeus
Peaceful, active bottom dwellers that will completely ignore the mid-water rasboras.
Great
Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
The tiny mouths of Lambchop Rasboras mean adult dwarf shrimp are entirely safe, making them perfect for planted shrimp aquariums.
Great
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
Adult angelfish can grow large enough to view small rasboras as prey; keep with caution in very large tanks only.
Compatible with caution
Betta Fish
Betta splendens
While water parameters match perfectly, some particularly aggressive Bettas may harass them, though the rasboras are usually fast enough to escape.
Compatible with caution
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Large predatory cichlids will easily swallow a Lambchop Rasbora whole.
Not recommended

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