In its native habitat, the harlequin rasbora's main threat is habitat loss and run-off due to agricultural practices.
  • Size

    2 inches (5 cm)
  • Diet

    Insects, worms, other small invertebrates
  • Range

    Malaysia, thailand, singapore
  • Habitat

    Peat swamps, forest pools, streams with lots of cover and plant matter

Physical Characteristics

  • Body coloration is a shiny red-orange, marked by a distinctive black triangle that begins just below the dorsal fin and trails along that caudal peduncle.
  • Occasionally displays a small dark streak behind the operculum.
  • The eyes are very large and round.
  • Harlequin rasbora can grow to 2 inches (5 cm) in length.

Animal Fact

The female harlequin rasbora is often larger and rounder than the male.

Diet / Feeding

  • Diet consists of insects, worms and other small invertebrates.

Range / Habitat

  • The harlequin rasbora occurs in freshwater habitats of Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore.
  • Found in peat swamps and forest pools and streams with lots of cover and plant matter. Decomposing plants add tannins to the water, creating an acidic blackwater environment.

Reproduction & Growth

  • Oviparous (egg-laying species).
  • The female harlequin rasbora is often larger and rounder than the male.
  • Spawning usually takes place under plant cover; eggs will adhere to the undersides of large leaves.

Conservation Status

  • “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List.

Additional Information

  • Habitat loss and run-off due to agriculture is the main threat to population in the native habitat.
  • A schooling species.
  • A peaceful, popular aquarium fish.
  • Previously thought to be a member of the Rasbora genus, harlequin rasbora was renamed Trigonostigma heteromorpha.

Sources

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