Hengeli Glowlight Rasboras bring shimmering orange streaks and peaceful schooling energy to planted tanks—ideal for nano aquascapes and beginners alike.

Hengeli Glowlight Rasbora (Trigonostigma hengeli) – Full Product Description

The Hengeli Glowlight Rasbora (Trigonostigma hengeli), sometimes called the False Harlequin Rasbora, is a beautiful and peaceful schooling fish originating from the soft, blackwater streams of Southeast Asia, particularly Borneo and Sumatra. Recognized by its shimmering orange stripe that runs along its body like a glowing light, this small fish is a fantastic addition to any planted community aquarium. Its vibrant hues, calm temperament, and active swimming behavior make it a top choice for nano and mid-sized aquariums.

Key Features:

• Scientific Name: Trigonostigma hengeli
• Common Names: Hengeli Rasbora, Glowlight Rasbora
• Size: Up to 2.5 cm (1 inch)
• Lifespan: 3–5 years
• Temperament: Peaceful, active schooling fish
• Origin: Borneo, Sumatra
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons (recommended for small shoals)

Coloration and Appearance:

Hengeli Rasboras feature a translucent silvery body with a distinct iridescent orange stripe that starts near the eye and runs toward the caudal fin, bordered by a thin black wedge-shaped mark. Under the right lighting, this stripe shimmers like neon, especially in blackwater or heavily planted setups. Males are generally slimmer and more intensely colored, particularly during courtship.

Water Conditions:

To ensure their health and coloration, replicate the soft, acidic conditions of their native environment:

• Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)
• pH: 5.5–7.0
• Hardness: Soft water (1–8 dGH)
• Water Type: Clean, well-oxygenated, low-flow conditions
• Tank Setup: Dim lighting, fine-leaf plants (e.g., Java fern, Anubias, moss), and dark substrate to enhance coloration and provide shelter

Tank Mates:

Hengeli Rasboras are ideal for peaceful community tanks. They thrive in schools of at least 6–10, and larger groups will display better schooling behavior and less stress.

Compatible tank mates include:

• Other small rasboras (e.g., Chili Rasboras, Harlequin Rasboras)
• Tetras (e.g., Ember, Neon, Rummy Nose)
• Corydoras catfish
• Otocinclus
• Peaceful dwarf gouramis
• Freshwater shrimp (e.g., Amano, Cherry)
• Kuhli loaches

Avoid pairing with aggressive or large predatory fish.

Feeding:

Hengeli Glowlight Rasboras are micro-predators and omnivores.

• Diet: High-quality micro pellets, flakes, crushed freeze-dried food
• Supplements: Live or frozen microfoods like daphnia, baby brine shrimp, mosquito larvae
• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily in small amounts

A varied diet will promote intense coloration and long-term health.

Care and Maintenance:

These rasboras are hardy but prefer stable and clean water conditions. A peaceful, well-planted tank will help reduce stress and encourage natural behavior.

• Perform 25–30% water changes weekly
• Use a sponge or gentle filtration system
• Avoid sharp decorations or aggressive species
• Keep them in a shoal to reduce anxiety and increase activity

Breeding:

Breeding Hengeli Rasboras is achievable with the right setup:

• Breeding Tank: Shallow tank with fine-leafed plants or spawning mops
• Conditions: Slightly warmer (26–28°C), soft acidic water
• Spawning: Typically occurs in early morning; scatter eggs on plant leaves
• Post-spawn: Remove adults as they may eat the eggs
• Fry Care: Infusoria or commercial liquid fry food initially, followed by micro worms or baby brine shrimp as they grow

The Hengeli Glowlight Rasbora is a visually stunning and low-maintenance species perfect for beginner and experienced aquarists alike. Whether part of a Southeast Asian biotope or a mixed community aquarium, their sparkling color and gentle behavior bring a graceful energy to any aquatic landscape.