Trigonostigma espei
Slimmer, more orange version of the harlequin rasbora, with a slender pork-chop-shaped wedge instead of the harlequin's blocky triangle. Holds tighter shoals than the harlequin and looks stunning against tannin-stained water, the classic nano companion to chili rasboras and ember tetras.
Lambchop Rasbora (Trigonostigma espei) reaches 3–3.5 cm as an adult and needs a minimum tank of 45 L. Native to Thailand and Cambodia, it lives in the mid water column with a peaceful temperament. Aim for 23–28 °C, pH 5.5–7.0, and 1–10 dGH hardness. Lifespan is 4–6 years with good care. Keep lambchop rasbora in groups of 8+, yes schoolers need numbers to display natural behaviour. Diet: omnivore, Micro pellets, crushed flake, frozen daphnia and baby brine shrimp. Plant-safe: Yes. Shrimp-safe: Yes (with adults).
Care at a glance
Slimmer, more orange version of the harlequin rasbora, with a slender pork-chop-shaped wedge instead of the harlequin's blocky triangle. Holds tighter shoals than the harlequin and looks stunning against tannin-stained water, the classic nano companion to chili rasboras and ember tetras.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to aquarium fish for the planted tank.
The parameters that decide whether lambchop rasbora fits in your tank.
Mid
Yes
Group of 8+
Cyprinidae
Omnivore
Micro pellets, crushed flake, frozen daphnia and baby brine shrimp.
4–6 yrs
Hard
Thailand and Cambodia
Thailand and Cambodia
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Lambchop Rasbora (Trigonostigma espei) needs a minimum tank of 45 L. They live in the mid water column and should be kept in groups of 8+, so a longer footprint matters more than depth.
Target 23–28 °C, pH 5.5–7.0, and 1–10 dGH hardness. Acclimate slowly when moving them between water sources.
Shrimp safety: Yes (with adults). Plant safety: Yes.
Lambchop Rasbora are omnivore. Micro pellets, crushed flake, frozen daphnia and baby brine shrimp.
On Fin & Stem's 1–5 difficulty scale this species rates 2/5. Forgiving, beginner-friendly once the tank is cycled. Breeding difficulty: hard.
Typical lifespan in a well-maintained tank is 4–6 years.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this fish with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
