Harlequin Rasbora
The perfect beginner schooling fish — hardy, peaceful, and marked with a distinctive black triangular wedge. That copper-orange body, that jet-black "harlequin patch," those perfectly synchronized schools. Complete guide: one of the easiest fish to breed by accident, and why they're the ideal Betta tank mate.
📋 Species Overview
🎭 The Iconic Black Triangle — Harlequin vs Lambchop vs Espei
Harlequin Rasbora: large black triangular patch covering the rear half of the body. Lambchop Rasbora (T. espei): smaller, narrower wedge — more orange, smaller fish. Hengel's Rasbora (T. hengeli): thin black line + neon orange stripe above it. Harlequins are the largest and hardiest of the three, making them the best choice for beginners.
🥚 Easy Breeding — They Glue Eggs to Plant Leaves
Harlequins are egg-scatterers with a twist: the female glues eggs to the UNDERSIDE of broad plant leaves (Cryptocoryne, Anubias). This is unusual for cyprinids. To breed: condition with live foods, provide broad-leaved plants, use soft acidic water (pH 5.5-6.5), and raise the temperature slightly. Eggs hatch in 24-36 hours. Remove parents after spawning — they will eat the eggs.