Espei rasbora ( 8 pcs)

Description

Size: 2.5 cm

The Espei Rasbora (Trigonostigma espei), also known as the Lambchop Rasbora or Narrow Wedge Rasbora, is a small, peaceful freshwater fish from Southeast Asia, primarily found in Thailand and Cambodia. Its stunning colors, peaceful nature, and schooling behavior make it a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts.

---

Key Characteristics

1. Appearance:
   • Body Color: Bright copper to reddish-orange with a metallic sheen.
   • Marking: A distinct black, wedge-shaped mark starts mid-body and narrows toward the tail, resembling a lamb chop. The mark is narrower and more elongated than the similar Harlequin Rasbora (Trigonostigma heteromorpha).
   • Size: Grows to about 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm).
2. Behavior:
   • Active, peaceful, and social fish.
   • Schooling species that prefers to be kept in groups of 6 or more.
   • Swims mostly in the mid to upper levels of the aquarium.
3. Lifespan:
   • Typically lives 3 to 5 years with proper care.

---

Natural Habitat

In the wild, Espei Rasboras inhabit slow-moving, tannin-stained waters in densely vegetated areas like streams, swamps, and flooded forests.

---

Tank Requirements

1. Tank Size:
   • A minimum of 10 gallons for a small school, though 20 gallons or larger is ideal for bigger groups.
2. Water Parameters:
   • Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C).
   • pH: 5.5–7.0 (slightly acidic).
   • Hardness: 1–10 dGH (soft to moderately hard water).
   • Regular water changes are important to maintain water quality.
3. Tank Setup:
   • Substrate: Dark substrate (sand or fine gravel) to enhance their vibrant colors.
   • Plants: Dense vegetation such as Java moss, Anubias, Cryptocoryne, and floating plants like Amazon frogbit or Salvinia.
   • Decor: Driftwood, leaf litter, and rocks to mimic their natural habitat and provide hiding spots.
   • Lighting: Moderate lighting is preferred to prevent stress and to mimic their natural environment.

---

Diet

• Omnivorous and easy to feed. In the wild, they consume small invertebrates and plant material.
• In the Aquarium:
  • High-quality micro-pellets or flakes.
  • Supplement with live or frozen foods such as:
    • Daphnia
    • Brine shrimp
    • Bloodworms
    • Microworms
  • Occasionally offer blanched vegetables like spinach or zucchini.

---

Tankmates

Espei Rasboras are peaceful and can be housed with other small, non-aggressive fish. Suitable tankmates include:

• Tetras (e.g., Neon Tetra, Ember Tetra)
• Other Rasboras (e.g., Harlequin Rasbora, Chili Rasbora)
• Corydoras Catfish
• Otocinclus
• Shrimp (e.g., Amano Shrimp, Cherry Shrimp)

Avoid housing them with larger or aggressive fish, as they may become stressed or preyed upon.

---

Breeding Espei Rasbora

1. Sexing:
   • Males are slimmer and more brightly colored, especially during the breeding season.
   • Females are rounder and have a slightly duller color.
2. Spawning:
   • They are egg scatterers. Provide fine-leaved plants or spawning mops where eggs can be laid.
   • Soft, slightly acidic water (pH around 6.0) and a temperature of 77–80°F (25–27°C) encourage spawning.
   • After spawning, remove adults to prevent them from eating the eggs.
3. Raising Fry:
   • Eggs hatch in about 24–36 hours.
   • Feed fry with infusoria or powdered fry food until they are large enough for baby brine shrimp or micro-pellets.

---

Benefits of Espei Rasbora in Aquariums

• Their schooling behavior adds dynamic movement to the tank.
• They help control small algae by grazing on surfaces.
• Their vibrant colors provide a striking contrast to green plants in planted tanks.

The Espei Rasbora is a delightful, beginner-friendly species that brings life and beauty to any peaceful community tank.