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Lambchop Rasbora
Trigonostigma espei
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Cyprinidae
📍 Mekong & Chao Phraya, Southeast Asia
The lambchop rasbora has a slimmer body than the harlequin rasbora with a characteristically narrow, wedge-shaped black mark on the rear half. Peaceful and undemanding, it is ideal for nano planted tanks and pairs beautifully with shrimp.
Care Guide
Diet
Lambchop rasboras are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet of high-quality micro pellets and flake foods as staples. Supplement 2-3 times weekly with live or frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms to promote color and health. Feed small amounts once daily, only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes.
Behavior
These peaceful, active schooling fish are best kept in groups of 8 or more to display natural shoaling behavior and reduce stress. They occupy the mid-water column and are constantly in motion, darting between plants and décor. Their small size and non-aggressive nature make them ideal for planted nano tanks and community setups.
Breeding
Breeding lambchop rasboras in captivity is possible but challenging and rarely achieved by hobbyists. They require densely planted tanks with soft, acidic water (pH 5.5-6.5) and temperatures around 26-27°C to trigger spawning. Fry are extremely small and require infusoria or liquid fry food for the first week before accepting micro foods.
Tank Mates
Similar water parameters and peaceful temperament; rasboras ignore shrimp
Peaceful algae eaters with identical water requirements and mid-bottom feeding zones
Peaceful and compatible, though may compete for space in smaller tanks
Similar size, temperament, and water preferences; excellent community fish pairing
Larger shrimp species that coexist peacefully; excellent algae control
Hardy plant that provides shelter and won't be uprooted by active rasboras
Common Diseases
Ich (White Spot Disease)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, rubbing against décor, lethargy
Raise temperature gradually to 28-29°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 tsp per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment for 7-10 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, remove uneaten food, treat with antibacterial medication if severe; ensure temperature stays 24-26°C
Neon Tetra Disease
Loss of coloration, curved spine, erratic swimming, muscle degeneration
No cure exists; isolate affected fish immediately to prevent spread, maintain excellent water quality, consider euthanasia if severe
Bacterial Infection
Red streaks on body, swollen abdomen, torn fins, loss of appetite
Perform 50% water change, treat with broad-spectrum antibiotic medication, maintain temperature at 25-26°C, ensure good filtration
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore – micro pellets, flake, daphnia, brine shrimp
- lifespan
- 3–5 years
- max size
- 3.5 cm (1.4 in)
- tank size
- 10 gallons minimum
- school size
- 8+
- temperament
- Peaceful, schooling
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 1–10 dGH
- temperature
- 72–81°F (22–27°C)