Lambchop rasbora

Trigonostigma espei

Copper colour and a narrow hatchet mark

A copper-orange body carries a narrow hatchet-shaped black marking tapering towards the tail.

Adult length: Up to 3 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 23–28 °C
pH: 5.5–7.5
Hardness: 1–10 dGH

Natural habitat: Usually inhabits slow, planted forest streams and tributaries, sometimes with tea-stained water; populations in Krabi also occupy clear limestone pools.

Keep conspecific company, cover and open swimming space.

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Appearance and identification

Trigonostigma heteromorpha is deeper-bodied with a broader triangular patch. T. hengeli is paler overall, with orange concentrated above and in front of its marking.

Same-species behaviour

Keep at least 8–10 conspecifics.

Space requirements

Allow a 60 × 30 cm base.

Diet and feeding

Use suitably small pellets or flakes with small live and frozen foods.

Compatibility limits

Check predation, feeding competition, space and water.

Aquarium environment

A dark substrate and planted cover help display colour; broad leaves also relate to leaf-under-surface spawning. Retain swimming space.

Sources