"Add the vibrant Harlequin Rasbora to your aquarium! Known for their striking color and peaceful nature, these fish are perfect for community tanks."

Overview: The Harlequin Rasbora (Trigonostigma heteromorpha) is a popular freshwater fish originating from Southeast Asia, particularly the slow-moving waters of Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. Known for their distinctive body markings and vibrant coloration, these fish are a favorite among aquarists. Harlequin Rasboras are peaceful, hardy, and easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for community tanks and suitable for both beginner and experienced aquarists.

Appearance:

• Coloration: Harlequin Rasboras have a striking appearance with a copper-orange body and a distinctive black triangular patch that starts near the middle of their body and extends to the base of the tail. This unique marking resembles the shape of a harlequin's costume, hence their name.
• Body Shape: They have a streamlined, laterally compressed body with a slightly rounded belly and a forked tail fin.
• Size: Harlequin Rasboras are small fish, typically growing up to 2 inches (5 cm) in length.

Water Conditions: To ensure the health and vibrancy of Harlequin Rasboras, maintain the following water conditions:

• Temperature: 72-81°F (22-27°C).
• pH Range: 6.0-7.5.
• Water Hardness: 2-15 dGH.
• Tank Size: A minimum of 10 gallons is recommended to accommodate a small school, with larger tanks preferred for larger groups and more stable water conditions.

Tank Setup: Creating an ideal habitat for your Harlequin Rasboras involves several considerations:

• Substrate: Use a dark, fine gravel or sandy substrate to mimic their natural riverbed environment and enhance their colors.
• Decor: Include plenty of live plants, such as Java moss, Anubias, and Cryptocoryne, to provide hiding spots and create a naturalistic setting. Driftwood and leaf litter can also be added to mimic their natural habitat.
• Filtration: A gentle filter is preferred, as strong currents can stress these small fish. Sponge filters or hang-on-back filters with adjustable flow are ideal for maintaining water quality without creating excessive water movement.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting is sufficient to highlight their vibrant colors and support plant growth. Dim lighting can help them feel more secure and reduce stress.

Tank Mates: Harlequin Rasboras are peaceful and social, making them suitable for community tanks. Choose tank mates carefully:

• Compatible Species: Other peaceful fish such as Neon Tetras, Cardinal Tetras, Corydoras catfish, small Gouramis, and other small, non-aggressive fish. Shrimp and snails can also be good tank mates.
• Incompatible Species: Avoid larger, aggressive fish or fin-nippers like Barbs and Cichlids that can harass or harm rasboras.

Feeding Habit: Harlequin Rasboras are omnivores with diverse dietary needs. Provide a varied diet to keep them healthy and vibrant:

• Staple Diet: High-quality flake or micro pellet food designed for tropical fish.
• Supplements: Offer live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms to provide necessary protein and variety.
• Vegetables: Include blanched vegetables like spinach or zucchini occasionally.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them 2-3 times a day in small portions to prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality.

Care and Maintenance: Regular care and maintenance are crucial for the well-being of your Harlequin Rasboras:

• Water Changes: Perform weekly water changes of 20-30% to keep water parameters stable and reduce waste buildup.
• Health Monitoring: Watch for signs of common fish diseases such as fin rot, ich, and parasitic infections. Early detection and treatment are vital.
• Behavioral Observation: Observe their behavior regularly. Healthy rasboras are active, schooling together, and exhibit vibrant coloration.

Breeding: Breeding Harlequin Rasboras can be a rewarding experience:

• Pair Selection: Choose healthy and vibrant pairs to enhance breeding success. Males are usually slimmer with more intense coloration, while females have a rounder body.
• Spawning Environment: Set up a separate breeding tank with slightly acidic, soft water. Provide fine-leaved plants or spawning mops where eggs can be deposited.
• Spawning Process: Condition the breeding pair with high-quality live or frozen foods. Once the female lays eggs, the male will fertilize them. Remove the adults after spawning to prevent them from eating the eggs.
• Fry Care: The eggs will hatch in about 24-36 hours. Feed the fry infusoria or commercially available liquid fry food until they are large enough to eat micro worms or finely crushed flake food.