Hengeli Rasbora 2.5cm

Hengeli Rasbora comes from Southeast Asia on the Malay Peninsula through Singapore, the Greater Sunda Islands of Borneo and Sumatra, and possibly in Thailand and Cambodia as well. In nature, these fish are found in huge groups, filling entire sluggish streams. These heavily-vegetated, peaceful waters are calm or gently flowing. Often, decomposing organic debris stains the water a yellowish-brown with tannins and other chemicals. The water is soft and weakly acidic or neutral, and well-shaded by forest canopies. These fish swim in schools and are micro-predators, feeding on small insects, worms, crustaceans, and zooplankton.

The Hengeli Rasbora is a great fish for the beginning aquarist who wants something special for a peaceful community tank. Even more enticing than their looks is their fascinating, fast-paced lifestyle. They absolutely must be kept in a school as the companionship of their own species is essential to their well-being. Groups should be made up of at least 8 to 10 individuals. It is a schooling species that rarely leaves the upper and middle regions of the aquarium, not even to chase after food. A school could be housed in a tank as small as 40 litres, but an 80 litre aquarium will suit them best. They are very fun to watch, even for non-aquarists, as they are almost constantly in motion, creating flashes of orange/red colour.

To bring out their best colours, use a darker substrate and provide them with plenty of plants. The tank should be carefully covered as these fish are liable to jump if startled or excited.

The Hengeli Rasboras are omnivores. Their diet should be based around a quality flake or micro pellet food supplemented with the occasional snack like frozen brine shrimp or bloodworms.

Feeding time with rasboras is especially fun to watch. They will dart to the surface, grab some food, and then dive a couple of centimetres or so and swallow. They repeat this until the food is gone. These fish will do best when offered food several times a day, but only offer what they can eat in 3 minutes or less at each feeding. If you feed only once per day, provide what they can eat in about 5 minutes.

• Species – Trigonostigma hengeli
• Common Name – Hengeli Rasbora
• Origin – Southeast Asia on the Malay Peninsula through Singapore, the Greater Sunda Islands of Borneo and Sumatra, and possibly in Thailand and Cambodia as well.
• Diet – Omnivorous
• PH Range – 6.8 – 7.5
• Temperature – Tropical 23°c – 28°c
• Breed Type – egg layer
• Current Size – approximately 2.5cm (Grows up to approximately 3cm)
• Sex – Un-sexed