Lambchop Rasbora
Trigonostigma espei
Minimum Tank
10 Gallons
Adult Size
1.5 inches
Temperature
73-82°F (23-28°C)
pH Range
5.5-7.0
Lifespan
5 years
School Size
8+ fish
About Lambchop Rasbora
The lambchop rasbora, also known as Espe's rasbora, is a delicate, warmly colored fish from the peat swamps and forest streams of Thailand and Cambodia. It closely resembles the harlequin rasbora but is distinguished by its narrower, more wedge-shaped dark marking that resembles a lamb chop rather than a broad triangle. Its body has a warmer, more copper-orange tone than the harlequin. Lambchop rasboras are gentle, tight-schooling fish that create a lovely warm-toned display in planted aquariums. They are slightly smaller and more delicate than harlequins, making them better suited to smaller tanks and nano setups with other diminutive species.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 10-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 73-82°F (23-28°C)
- • pH: 5.5 - 7.0
- • Category: Rasbora
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Keep lambchop rasboras in schools of at least eight in a tank of 10 gallons or more. They prefer soft, acidic water at 73-82°F with subdued lighting and plenty of plants. Indian almond leaves and driftwood add beneficial tannins that mimic their natural peat swamp habitat. They are peaceful and make ideal companions for other small, gentle species like chili rasboras, ember tetras, and dwarf shrimp. Feed quality micro-pellets and crushed flakes supplemented with frozen baby brine shrimp and daphnia. They are somewhat more sensitive than harlequin rasboras and do best in mature, stable tanks. A dark substrate brings out their warm copper coloring.
Quick Facts
38L
Min Tank (10gal)
4cm
Adult Size (1.5")
5yr
Lifespan
8+
Min School
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Find compatible tankmates for your Lambchop Rasbora
Related Species You Might Like
Harlequin Rasbora
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
Emerald Eye Rasbora
Brevibora dorsiocellata
Chili Rasbora
Boraras brigittae
Celestial Pearl Danio
Danio margaritatus
Scissortail Rasbora
Rasbora trilineata
Phoenix Rasbora
Boraras merah
Tank Mates for Lambchop Rasbora
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius
moderate · 10+ gal
Honey Gourami
Trichogaster chuna
easy · 10+ gal
Julii Corydoras
Corydoras julii
easy · 15+ gal
Panda Corydoras
Corydoras panda
easy · 10+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other easy-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Lambchop Rasbora need?
A Lambchop Rasbora needs a minimum tank size of 10 gallons (38 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 8.
What water parameters does a Lambchop Rasbora need?
Lambchop Rasbora thrive in water between 73-82°F (23-28°C) with a pH of 5.5-7.0.
Are Lambchop Rasbora easy to care for?
Lambchop Rasbora are considered easy to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 5 years.
How big do Lambchop Rasbora get and what do they eat?
Lambchop Rasbora reach about 1.5 inches and are omnivores. Keep lambchop rasboras in schools of at least eight in a tank of 10 gallons or more. They prefer soft, acidic water at 73-82°F with subdued lighting and plenty of plants. Indian almond leaves and driftwood add beneficial tannins that mimic their natural peat swamp habitat. They are peaceful and make ideal companions for other small, gentle species like chili rasboras, ember tetras, and dwarf shrimp. Feed quality micro-pellets and crushed flakes supplemented with frozen baby brine shrimp and daphnia. They are somewhat more sensitive than harlequin rasboras and do best in mature, stable tanks. A dark substrate brings out their warm copper coloring.