Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Live Plant Safe: Yes

General Description: The Harlequin Rasbora or Het for short, also known as the Heteromorpha 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 Harlequin rasbora will exhibit more of a copper-orange coloration, while females are more gold but both sexes have the characteristic black patch that begins at their dorsal fin and extends to the caudal (tail) fin. Native to forest streams and tributaries of Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Borneo, most if not all of the Harlequin rasbora available within the aquarium trade are commercially produced. Harlequin rasbora are 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 Harlequin rasbora does make for a more dazzling display! An adult Harlequin rasbora can reach a size of approximately 1.5″.

Diet Requirements: In the wild Harlequin 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 small group of Harlequin rasbora. Size up accordingly to accomodate a larger school. Harlequin 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 Harlequin 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 Harlequin rasbora happy, but a darker substrate, driftwood and other natural-looking arrangements will bring out the beauty of this rasbora. Harlequin 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. Harlequin 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, Harlequin rasbora can be successfully kept in a wide range of community-type aquariums. Given that Harlequin 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.