Hengeli rasbora ( 8 pcs)

The Hengeli Rasbora (Trigonostigma hengeli), also known as the Glowlight Rasbora or Hengel’s Rasbora, is a small, peaceful freshwater fish prized for its shimmering colors and schooling behavior. It’s closely related to the Espei and Harlequin Rasboras but has a more delicate appearance, making it a favorite in planted and community aquariums.

Key Characteristics

1. Appearance:
   • Body Color: Translucent, silvery body with a subtle copper or orange hue near the dorsal area.
   • Marking: A distinctive, narrow, iridescent orange stripe runs along the upper body, extending from behind the gills to the tail. Below the stripe, there is a small, black triangular marking, but it is much slimmer and less pronounced than in the Espei or Harlequin Rasbora.
   • Size: Grows to about 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm).
2. Behavior:
   • Peaceful, schooling fish that thrives in groups of 6 or more.
   • Active and energetic, they swim primarily in the middle and upper levels of the aquarium.
   • They exhibit tighter schooling behavior than some other rasbora species.
3. Lifespan:
   • Typically lives 3 to 5 years with proper care.

Natural Habitat

Hengeli Rasboras originate from slow-moving streams, rivers, and floodplains in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia. They prefer environments with soft, tannin-rich waters and dense vegetation.

Tank Requirements

1. Tank Size:
   • A minimum of 10 gallons for a small school, though 20 gallons or larger is recommended for larger groups.
2. Water Parameters:
   • Temperature: 72–80°F (22–27°C).
   • pH: 5.5–7.0 (slightly acidic).
   • Hardness: 1–8 dGH (soft water preferred).
   • Clean, stable water conditions are essential to their health.
3. Tank Setup:
   • Substrate: Dark sand or fine gravel enhances their colors.
   • Plants: Provide plenty of live plants such as Java moss, Anubias, Cryptocoryne, or floating plants like Amazon frogbit.
   • Decor: Driftwood and leaf litter can mimic their natural environment and release beneficial tannins.
   • Lighting: Low to moderate lighting helps reduce stress and mimic their natural habitat.

Diet

Hengeli Rasboras are omnivores and are not picky eaters.

• Staple Diet: High-quality micro-pellets or flakes designed for small tropical fish.
• Supplements:
  • Live or frozen foods like:
    • Daphnia
    • Brine shrimp
    • Bloodworms
    • Microworms
  • Occasional blanched vegetables like spinach or zucchini.

Feed small amounts 1-2 times daily to prevent overfeeding.

Tankmates

Hengeli Rasboras are peaceful and ideal for community tanks with other small, non-aggressive species. Suitable tankmates include:

• Other Rasboras (e.g., Harlequin, Espei, or Chili Rasbora)
• Tetras (e.g., Neon, Ember, or Cardinal Tetras)
• Corydoras Catfish
• Otocinclus
• Dwarf Gouramis
• Shrimp (e.g., Amano or Cherry Shrimp)

Avoid housing them with large or aggressive fish, as they may become stressed or injured.

Breeding Hengeli Rasbora

1. • Males are typically slimmer and more brightly colored.
   • Females are rounder, especially when carrying eggs.
2. Spawning:
   • They are egg scatterers. Provide fine-leaved plants or spawning mops for egg deposition.
   • Soft, slightly acidic water (pH around 6.0) and a temperature of 77–80°F (25–27°C) can encourage spawning.
   • After spawning, remove the 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 to eat baby brine shrimp or micro-pellets.

Benefits of Hengeli Rasbora in Aquariums

• Their shimmering colors add vibrancy and elegance to planted aquariums.
• Peaceful schooling behavior creates a dynamic, active display.
• They are hardy and adaptable, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced aquarists.

The Hengeli Rasbora is a stunning and graceful fish that brings life and beauty to any peaceful community or biotope aquarium.