Family: Cyprinidae
Distribution: Trigonostigma heteromorpha, commonly known as the Harlequin Rasbora, is found in Thailand, Sumatra, Singapore and Malaysia. It is distributed in streams and other forest swamp waters.
PH: 5.0 – 7.0
Temperature: 23°C – 28C (73 – 82F)
Hardness: 5 – 12 dH
Description: Trigonostigma heteromorpha can reach a length of 3 – 5 cm in an aquarium. This species has an orange-pink colouration from its head to the caudal peduncle. Its posterior half has a big triangular marking that begins below the midpoint of its dorsal fin and thins out towards its tail. Its dorsal, caudal, pelvic and anal fins are tinted a reddish colour and the caudal fin is forked. Males are thinner and have a brighter colouration to females. This species has a lifespan of approximately six years.
Diet: Trigonostigma heteromorpha is an omnivore and will eat most store-purchased foods, but you should feed it a varied diet that includes live and frozen foods.
Breeding: The Harlequin Rasbora is similar to the Glowlight Rasbora in that females will attach their eggs to broad leaves, as opposed to the usual Rasbora practice of scattering the eggs. The female can deposit up to 300 eggs, but it is usually around the 80 – 100 mark. Remove the parents as soon as you see the eggs on the underside of a plant leaf, as they exhibit no parental care and may eat the eggs. When spawning Trigonostigma heteromorpha, make sure the water is soft and acidic and that you maintain the given water parameters. The eggs will hatch in 24 hours and the fry can be fed powdered fry food or Infusoria until large enough to accept bigger foods such as flake.
Comments: Trigonostigma heteromorpha should be housed in a tank that is at least 40 litres in volume. This fish will prefer a heavily vegetated tank that resembles its natural environment, including floating plants, a dark substrate and several roots and branches. It is recommended your tank is dimly lit and that you provide plenty of open swimming space. While it is not essential, Trigonostigma heteromorpha has a preference for water that has been filtrated through peat. This species requires a moderate level of care and is probably not suitable for beginners.
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species: Trigonostigma heteromorpha should be kept in large groups of at least 8 – 10. They will live happily with Tetraspecies (particularly the Neon Tetraand Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, CorydorasCatfish (particularly Corydoras Sterbaiand Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppyand Platyand most Gourami(such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio(particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio) and also many Killifish make great tank mates.
Originally posted 2010-01-26 22:14:23. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
