
Lambchop rasboras are a peaceful and active species that thrive in well-planted aquariums.
They are native to Indonesia and can be found in rivers and streams with soft, slightly acidic water.
Lambchop rasboras prefer temperatures between 72°F and 82°F (22°C and 28°C), and pH levels between 6.0 and 7.5.
A school of at least 6-10 individuals is recommended to keep them happy and active.
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Physical Characteristics
Lambchop rasboras are small fish, growing to an average size of 4-5 cm (1.57-1.97 inches) in captivity.
Their overall body color is a vibrant orange-red, which becomes more intense during breeding seasons, particularly in males.
This distinctive coloration is accompanied by a black marking on their side that resembles a lambchop, with the widest part of the marking sitting around the center of the fish's body.
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Appearance
Lambchop rasboras are small fish, growing to an average size of 4-5 cm (1.57-1.97 inches) in captivity.
Their overall body color is a vibrant orange-red, which becomes more intense during breeding seasons, particularly in males.
The most identifiable feature of lambchop rasboras is the black marking on their side that looks similar to the shape of a lambchop.
This marking is widest around the center of the fish's body and ends just before the caudal fin.
Some fish exhibit an even more vibrant red color directly under the marking that fades into the lighter-colored belly.
Lambchop rasboras have translucent fins, which adds to their delicate appearance.
Their peaceful demeanor makes them a popular choice for community aquariums.
Their copper red coloration is similar to that of the harlequin rasbora, but with a slightly different tone.
The black marking on the lambchop rasbora is a distinctive lambchop shape, whereas the harlequin rasbora has a broader, darker, and more triangular marking.
For more insights, see: Rasbora Heteromorpha
How Large Do They Grow?
Lambchop rasboras are quite small, reaching an average length of 1 to 1.5 inches at maturity.
Most rasbora species top out between 3-4 inches in length, which is a great size for small aquariums.
The porthole rasbora is a notable exception, growing up to 5 inches long.
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Care Guide
Lambchop rasboras are relatively undemanding fish, but they still need a properly maintained tank to thrive.
To keep your lambchop rasboras happy and healthy, make sure to provide a tank with peaceful tankmates. They generally do well with other peaceful fish.
Lambchop rasboras are social fish and do best in a school of at least five or six others of their kind. This will help to reduce stress and aggression.
A well-maintained tank is essential for the health and well-being of your lambchop rasboras. Regular water changes and proper filtration will help to keep the water clean and clear.
By following these simple care guidelines, you can create a happy and healthy environment for your lambchop rasboras to thrive in.
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Tank and Social Requirements
Lambchop rasboras are social fish that thrive in the company of their own kind. To keep them happy, group them with at least six other rasboras.
To ensure they feel secure, provide plenty of plants and hiding spots in the tank. This will help them exhibit their natural, vibrant coloring.
Avoid housing them with larger or aggressive species that may outcompete them for food or view them as prey.
Natural Habitat

The Lambchop Rasbora is a fascinating fish that can be found in two main populations: one in the Gulf of Thailand's eastern slopes and the other in Cambodia in Southeast Asia.
These fish prefer to inhabit slow-flowing waters, such as streams, ponds, pools, marshes, and swamps, where submerged aquatic plants grow thickly.
Their natural habitat is often characterized by stained yellowish-brown water due to the release of chemicals and tannins from decomposing organic material.
The substrate in these areas is usually scattered with fallen twigs, leaves, and branches, providing the perfect environment for these fish to thrive.
Tank Mates
Lambchop rasboras are best kept in groups of at least six of their own kind. This helps them feel secure and encourages their natural, vibrant coloring.
Keeping them in a group also allows them to exhibit their natural schooling behavior, swimming gracefully through the middle levels of the aquarium.
Avoid housing lambchop rasboras with large, predatory fish that might feed on them. This includes species that might outcompete them for food or view them as prey.
Docile bottom-feeders like Corydoras catfish and loaches make good tank mates for lambchop rasboras. They can also be mixed with other rasboras and small freshwater fish like tetras and livebearers.
Providing plenty of plants and hiding spots helps lambchop rasboras feel secure and thrive in their environment.
Feeding and Nutrition
Lambchop rasboras are not picky eaters and will readily accept a variety of foods. A high-quality flake or micro pellet should form the staple of their diet, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients.
They can only handle tiny food particles due to their small mouths, so make sure to crush any larger foods before offering them. This is especially important when feeding them live or frozen foods like brine shrimp or daphnia.
Feeding small portions multiple times a day is preferable, as it prevents overfeeding and helps maintain water quality. This is a great way to keep your tank clean and your fish happy.
Occasional treats of finely chopped vegetables like blanched spinach or zucchini can also be provided to add variety to their diet. These treats can help promote breeding behavior and enhance their coloration.
A good varied diet is required for lambchop rasboras to breed, and should include a mix of live and vegetable matter. This can include foods like blanched lettuce and finely chopped vegetables.
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Breeding and Sexing
Breeding and sexing lambchop rasboras can be a bit tricky, but with the right conditions and knowledge, you can increase your chances of success. Starting with a group of 8-10 fish is a good idea, as it ensures a good mix of males and females.
Sexing lambchop rasboras can be challenging, especially when they're young. However, as they mature, males tend to display brighter coloration, especially during breeding periods. Females are generally rounder and fuller-bodied, particularly when they're carrying eggs.
To breed lambchop rasboras, you'll need to provide soft to very soft acidic water, which can be achieved by setting up a tank with two layers of marbles and adding plants. They use broad-leafed plants to deposit their eggs, so make sure to include some in the tank.
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Breeding
To breed Lambchop Rasboras, start with a group of 8-10 fish to ensure a good mix of males and females. Sexing can be tricky, especially when they're young, but as they mature, males tend to display brighter coloration.

You'll need to provide soft to very soft acidic water for breeding, and a suitable setup can be achieved by covering the bottom of a tank with two layers of marbles and adding a couple of plants. They'll use broad-leafed plants to deposit their eggs.
Adult fish should be removed from the tank once spawning is completed to protect the eggs and fry. The fry need to be fed very small food, such as infusorians and vinegar eels, as they're hard to see with the naked eye.
Males often have a sharper, more defined outline in the wedge-shaped marking along their side, while females tend to be a little slimmer than males but larger in body. You'll need to condition your Lambchop Rasboras by feeding them live food a couple of weeks before trying to breed them.
Dimming the light can help trigger spawning if needed, but there's no sure way to sex Lambchop Rasboras based on external characteristics. If you want to breed them, use a school as broad stock to make sure both sexes are present.
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2 Responses to Trigonostigma Espei
Trigonostigma Espei is widely present on Phu Quoc island, the largest Vietnamese island located near the Cambodian shore.
The species can be found in streams with brown acidic water, often with minimal submerged vegetation. In fact, one enthusiast caught a few specimens in a stream with these exact conditions.
If you're interested in seeing more photos of Trigonostigma Espei, two enthusiasts have mentioned catching them in the wild. One has even offered to share their photos with the community, either via email or through the forum.
Here are some details about the enthusiasts who have interacted with the Trigonostigma Espei article:
- Sideley confirmed the species' presence on Phu Quoc island in June 2012.
- Matt showed interest in seeing photos of the species in the wild, also in June 2012.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do lamb chop rasboras get?
Lamb chop rasboras typically grow to 1-1.5 inches in length, with some varieties staying as small as 0.5 inches. They are a compact and peaceful community fish.
Are lambchop rasboras aggressive?
No, Lambchop rasboras are not aggressive and are known to be very friendly. They are a great choice for a peaceful community aquarium.
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