Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Live Plant Safe: Yes

General Description: The Espei Rasbora, also known as the Lambchop Rasbora, is a desirable fish among beginner and seasoned hobbyists alike. Not only are these rasboras beautiful with their metallic coloration, but easy to care for. Male Espei rasbora will exhibit more of a copper-orange coloration, while females are more gold, but both sexes will have a narrow black marking that begins at their dorsal fin and extends to the caudal (tail) fin. This species is very similar to the Harlequin Rasbora (T. heteromorpha), however the Harlequin rasbora have a larger, more triangular shaped black marking than that of Espei rasbora. Native to forest streams and tributaries of Thailand and Cambodia, most if not all of the Espei rasbora available within the aquarium trade are commercially produced. Espei rasbora natural schooling fish, requiring at least 8 to 10 individuals but the more the merrier when it comes to this species. A larger group of rasbora does make for a more dazzling display! An adult Espei rasbora can reach a size of approximately 1″.

Diet Requirements: In the wild Espei rasbora are omnivores. A diet made up of various high quality vegetable based and protein based flake foods, sinking micro pellet foods and bug bites are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.

Care Requirements: A minimum 5 to 10 gallon aquarium is ideal for a group of Espei rasbora. Size up accordingly to accomodate a larger school. Espei rasbora are one of our listed “hardy fish” because they are able to endure the initial break-in cycle of a newly set-up aquarium. While their wild environments have gentle water flow, neutral water and a slightly acidic pH, the Espei rasbora is a very adaptable species to a wide range of parameters. The aquarium does not need to be aquascaped with anything in particular to keep a school of Espei rasbora happy, but a darker substrate, driftwood and other natural-looking arrangements will bring out the beauty of this rasbora. Espei rasbora would benefit from some floating plants to dim the lighting if it is intense, and incorporating live plants into the aquascape, such as Anubias or Cryptocoryne, would still thrive under such conditions. Espei rasbora are extremely peaceful and rarely conflict with tank mates. They are a great filler fish for the upper areas of the aquarium, with a lot of energy and movement. Because of this, Espei rasbora can be successfully kept in a wide range of community-type aquariums. Given that Espei rasbora are always out and about, they serve as a good “dither” fish for more shy fish species. Recommended water conditions, 74-82° F, KH 6-12, pH 6.0-7.0.

Purchase Size: Medium: 1/2” to 3/4”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.