Here are all the details about the Espei Rasbora (Trigonostigma espei), commonly known as the Lambchop Rasbora

🐟 Species Overview

• Common Names: Espei Rasbora, Lambchop Rasbora, False Harlequin Rasbora

• Scientific Name: Trigonostigma espei

• Family: Danionidae

• Origin: Southeast Asia – particularly Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam

• Lifespan: Around 3 to 5 years

• Size: 2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 inches)

• Temperament: Peaceful and social

• Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN)

✨ Appearance

• Body Color: Reddish-orange to copper or bronze

• Unique Marking: Triangular black "lambchop"-shaped patch starting below the dorsal fin

• Sex Differences:

  • Females: Rounder belly, slightly larger

  • Males: Slimmer and more vibrant in color

💧 Water Parameters

🏠 Tank Setup

• Environment: Soft, slightly acidic water with lots of plants

• Aquascape: Use driftwood, rocks, and leaf litter for a natural feel

• Substrate: Dark gravel or sand enhances their coloration

• Lighting: Moderate to low (to mimic forest streams)

• Filtration: Gentle to moderate flow

• Tank Lid: Recommended, as they may jump

🍽️ Diet

• Feeding Type: Omnivorous

• Preferred Foods:

  • Micro pellets

  • High-quality flakes

  • Live or frozen foods (brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms)

  • Occasionally: blanched spinach or spirulina-based flakes

• Feed 1–2 times daily in small amounts

👥 Behavior & Tank Mates

• Schooling: Must be kept in groups of at least 6–8 (preferably 10+)

• Behavior: Active, peaceful mid-to-top dwellers

• Compatible Tank Mates:

  • Neon tetras, ember tetras, harlequin rasboras

  • Corydoras catfish, kuhli loaches

  • Small peaceful gouramis, shrimp, snails

• Avoid: Large or aggressive fish (they may become shy or stressed)

🐣 Breeding

• Spawning Type: Egg scatterer

• Breeding Tank Setup:

  • Soft, slightly acidic water

  • Fine-leaved plants or spawning mops

  • Dim lighting and gentle filtration

• Breeding Process:

  • Pairing often occurs at dawn

  • Eggs are scattered over plants and not guarded

  • Adults should be removed after spawning to prevent egg predation

• Egg & Fry Care:

  • Eggs hatch in ~24–36 hours

  • Fry become free-swimming in 3–5 days

  • Feed infusoria, powdered fry food, or baby brine shrimp

🦠 Common Health Issues

• Ich (White Spot Disease): Treatable with temperature increase and medication

• Fin Rot: Often from poor water conditions

• Swim Bladder Issues: Rare, but possible in stressed fish

• Fungal Infections: Occur in poor water quality or due to injury

• Prevention:

  • Regular water changes

  • Stable water parameters

  • Quarantine new fish before adding to the main tank

✅ Summary

IMAGES ARE FOR REPRESENTATIVE PURPOSES ONLY.