Espei Rasbora

Espei Rasbora called Trigonostigma espei (formerly Rasbora espei) is yet another beautiful Southeast Asian aquarium fish. 

 Espei Rasbora is a relative newcomer, having been described by Meinken in 1967. 

This cute little, nimble cyprinid fish is just around an inch (3 cm) long. It has a distinct bronze hue with a pink blush that you won’t see on any other aquarium fish. 

Its color might vary depending on where it is found, with some specimens having a more vivid red. Its most distinctive characteristic is a black lambchop-shaped marking on its back.

.As a result, it is also known as the Lambchop Rasbora, as well as various other descriptive common names such as False Harlequin, Narrow Wedge Harlequin, and Slim Harlequin.

The Harlequin Rasbora Trigonostigma heteromorpha and the Glowlight Rasbora Trigonostigma hengeli are two of its near relatives. The term ‘Espe’s Rasbora’ is also sometimes applied to the Hengel’s Rasbora, and both fish are frequently sold as ‘False Harlequin.’

II. You would love the fish because…

 Espei Rasbora: can be distinguished from its conspecifics by paying particular attention to several small changes. The Harlequin Rasbora is paler pink to bright crimson and much stockier than its relatives.

The Harlequin’s black mark will also be significantly closer to a triangle shape and will have a noticeable blue hue. The Glowlight Rasbora is a butter-colored fish with an iridescent orange stripe atop a thin and highly rounded black triangle. The Espe’s Rasbora should be bronze pink in hue with no orange stripe above the black triangle.

 Espei Rasbora: is a pleasant little fish. It couldn’t be more welcoming and would make an excellent addition to any quiet tank. They must be kept in groups of at least 8 to 10 people. Even though they do not swim in a compact school, they require the company of their species. A school could be housed in a 10-gallon tank at the very least, but a 20-gallon aquarium is preferable.

These very tolerant fish require minimal extra maintenance, making them an excellent choice for a beginner aquarist. Use a darker base and supply plenty of plants to bring forth their best colors.

III. Is this fish species peaceful or hostile?

Is a peaceful fish.

IV. Species compatibility

Cyprinids, Characins, like tetras, and livebearers such as mollies, guppies, platies, and swordtail fish. Also do well with bottom-dwelling peaceful catfish, loaches, and even some dwarf cichlids.

V. How to feed this species?

Most rasboras are micro-predators, which means they eat small insects, zooplankton, worms, and crustaceans in the wild. Aqueon Tropical Flakes, Color Flakes, Tropical Granules, and Shrimp Pellets will help them thrive. Crush dry foods to fit the mouth size of exceptionally small species.