The Harlequin Rasbora is a captivating and peaceful freshwater fish that adds a touch of vibrancy and elegance to any aquarium. With their striking red and blue colors, Harlequin Rasboras are a popular choice among aquarists who seek small schooling fish for their community tanks. Originating from Southeast Asia, these rasboras are known for their peaceful nature and shoaling behavior, making them excellent companions for other peaceful species. Let's explore a detailed description of these remarkable fish, including essential information on their appearance, water conditions, tank setup, feeding habits, and care.

Appearance:

• Vibrant Coloration: Harlequin Rasboras display a stunning combination of bright orange-red and deep blue colors on their streamlined bodies, making them visually striking and elegant in appearance.
• Size: They are small fish, reaching an adult length of around 1.2 to 2 inches (3 to 5 centimeters).

Water Conditions:

• Temperature: Maintain a tropical water temperature range of 73°F to 81°F (23°C to 27°C) to ensure the well-being of Harlequin Rasboras.
• pH Level: Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH level between 6.0 and 7.8 to replicate their natural habitat.
• Water Hardness: Provide a soft to moderately hard water with a hardness level between 2 and 10 dGH.
• Filtration: Efficient filtration and regular water changes are essential to maintain excellent water quality.

Tank Setup:

• Tank Size: Harlequin Rasboras can be kept in a small tank of at least 10 gallons (38 liters) due to their small size and schooling nature.
• Aquascape: Create a natural environment with live plants, fine-grained substrate, and open swimming areas to allow them to showcase their shoaling behavior.
• Schooling Fish: They are social fish and should be kept in a group of at least six individuals to feel secure and exhibit their natural behaviors.

Feeding Habit:

• Omnivorous Diet: Harlequin Rasboras are omnivores and accept a wide variety of foods.
• High-Quality Flakes and Pellets: Offer high-quality flakes or pellets suitable for small tropical fish as their primary diet.
• Supplementary Foods: Provide occasional treats of live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms to supplement their diet.

Care:

• Peaceful Nature: Harlequin Rasboras are peaceful and can be kept with other peaceful community fish species.
• Shoaling Behavior: Keeping them in a group encourages their natural shoaling behavior and reduces stress.
• Observation: Monitor their behavior and appearance to ensure they are healthy and showing no signs of stress or illness.