Rasbora heteromorpha, hets, harlequin rasbora, red rasbora

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Category:

Cyprinids

Common Name:

Rasbora heteromorpha, hets, harlequin rasbora, red rasbora

Scientific Name:

Trigonostigma heteromorpha

Description:

The harlequin rasbora is a freshwater schooling fish that thrives in conditions similar to that of most tetras and other tropicals. A school of at least six should be kept for the harlequin to feel safe and remain active. Aside from the black triangle found on their sides, you will most likely find them a dull silver color in stores, but with the proper care and conditions, they will obtain a red tint that makes them very attractive. Adding peat to their tank helps with this.

The harlequin is a very peaceful fish that will not show any aggression to others, but should not be kept with large, more aggressive fish who may eat them or harass them. They are fairly hardy, but should not be used to cycle a tank.

A very inexpensive but dazzling fish, the harlequin rasbora is a very good addition to any tropical community tank.

(Image from the WikiCommons website.)

Origin:

Asia

Max Size:

2 inches

Minimum Tank Size:

20 gallons

Swim Area:

Middle and Top

Life Span:

6 years

Temperature Range (F):

74 - 78 F

pH:

6.0 - 6.5

Hardness (dH):

Up to 12 dH

Diet:

Omnivore

Additional Diet Information:

Tropical flakes, pellets and granules are a good staple diet. This may be supplemented with live or frozen foods.

Gender Difference:

Monomorphic

Breeding:

Egg Scatterer

Temperature should be slowly raised two degrees higher than normal, ideally to 80 degrees. Water should be very soft - no more than 2 dH. Also needed are crypts or similar broad leaf plants. One should prep them by feeding them live or frozen foods for a while beforehand. When the temperature is raised and brighter light (preferably sunlight) is introduced, the male will begin a mating dance close to the female and attempt to guide her to the bottom of one of the broad leaves of a plant. Once there, the female will turn upside down and the male will wrap himself around her. As much as 100 eggs will be laid, sticking to the underside of the plant. Remove the parents once finished or they will eat the eggs. It will take about a day for the eggs to hatch if the temperature is 80 degrees.

Temperament/Social Behavior:

• Peaceful, Schooling fish, Good for community tank, Tolerant, not territorial, Do not keep with large aggressive fish

Common Diseases:
Availability:

Easily Obtained

Additional Information or Photos