Glowlight Rasbora

Trigonostigma hengeli

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Cypriniformes›Cyprinidae

📍 Sumatra, Indonesia

Smaller cousin of the Harlequin Rasbora with a glowing orange stripe above a dark wedge-shaped marking. Elegant in groups.

Size1.2"

Min Tank10g

School8+

peaceful

Zonemid

Care Guide

Diet

Glowlight Rasboras are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet of high-quality flake foods, micro pellets, and small frozen foods like brine shrimp and daphnia. Feed small portions once daily, offering only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes. Occasional vegetable matter such as blanched spinach or algae-based supplements supports digestive health.

Behavior

These peaceful, schooling fish are most active during dawn and dusk, displaying their characteristic glowing orange stripe most vividly in subdued lighting. They are non-aggressive and spend most of their time in the mid-water column, constantly foraging and interacting with their school. They become stressed and lose coloration when kept in groups smaller than 8 individuals.

Breeding

Breeding Glowlight Rasboras in captivity is difficult and rarely achieved by hobbyists. They require very soft, acidic water (pH 5.0-6.0), dense vegetation for egg scattering, and careful separation of fry. Success requires patience, specialized conditions, and is best left to experienced breeders.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Peaceful bottom-dweller with identical water parameter requirements; will not compete for food or space

excellent

Ember Tetra

Similar size, temperament, and water preferences; creates a vibrant community display

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Peaceful invertebrate that occupies different ecological niche; may occasionally be nipped but generally compatible

good

Dwarf Hairgrass

Foreground plant that provides shelter and natural foraging areas without competing for space

excellent

Anubias Nana

Low-light plant that creates hiding spots and natural habitat structure preferred by rasboras

excellent

Rummy Nose Tetra

Similar size and peaceful nature; shares preference for soft, acidic water conditions

good

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects

Treatment

Gradually raise temperature to 28-30°C over 48 hours, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment; maintain for 10-14 days

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin margins, lethargy

Treatment

Perform 50% water change immediately, improve water quality and reduce stocking density, treat with antibacterial medication if secondary infection suspected; ensure excellent filtration

Columnaris (Flexibacter columnaris)

Symptoms

White or grayish film on body, mouth, or gills; rapid breathing; loss of appetite

Treatment

Increase aeration, perform daily 50% water changes, treat with antibacterial medication; isolate affected fish if possible and maintain pristine water conditions

Stress-Related Color Loss

Symptoms

Fading of the characteristic orange stripe, pale coloration, hiding behavior

Treatment

Ensure minimum school size of 8 fish, reduce tank disturbances, provide dense vegetation for security, maintain stable water parameters (pH 5.0-7.0, temperature 23-28°C)