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Glowlight RasboraHengel's Rasbora ~ Lamb Chop Rasbora ~ Glowing Rasbora ~ False HarlequinFamily: Cyprinidae Trigonostigma hengeliPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy David BroughLatest Reader Comment - See More Do glow light rasbora glow in the dark? I know this is a stupid question but I'm just curious. Anonymous The Glowlight Rasboras, also known as Hengel's rasboras, are very fun to watch (even for non-aquarists!) as they are almost constantly in motion!Glowlight Rasbora Contents So many aquarists fall in love with the Glowlight Rasbora or Hengel's Rasbora, and rightfully so. This simply dressed fish has lots of hidden charm. The body color ranges from translucent ivory to a pink flushed orange. In healthy specimens, the fins are a distinct lemon yellow. Their most distinguishing feature is a thin black marking, above which is a stroke of neon orange. Even more enticing then their looks, are their fascinating fast paced lifestyles. They have many endearing habits that you will come to recognize. This is a very forgiving fish and an excellent species to introduce yourself or a friend to the hobby for a number of reasons. They generally have a good disposition. They can be combined with most any fish it won't eat or frighten, or the opposite. They also have an excellent disease resistance. The Glowlight Rasbora or Hengel's Rasbora has two close relatives with which it is often confused, the Harlequin Rasbora and the Espei Rasbora. The Espei Rasbora is a name often falsely attached to the Hengel's Rasbora, and they are both sold under the name of 'False Harlequin'. This was all officially cleared up in 1999, when the species were reclassified. To identify them notice some subtle distinctions. The Harlequin Rasbora is pale pink to bright red, and is much stocker than its cousins. Harlequin's black mark is much closer to a triangle shape and will have a noticeably blue tint. The Espei Rasbora should be bronze pink in color and have no orange stripe above the black triangle. For more Information on keeping freshwater fish see: |
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Habitat: Distribution / Background
The Glowlight Rasbora or Hengel's rasbora were described by Meinken in 1956. They are found in huge groups, filling entire sluggish streams, in their homelands of Borneo, Sumatra, and Indonesia.
- Scientific Name: Trigonostigma hengeli
- Social Grouping: Groups - The Glowlight Rasbora is most comfortable in schools of 5 or more.
- IUCN Red List: NE - Not Evaluated or not listed
The body color of the Glowlight Rasbora or Hengel's Rasbora ranges from translucent ivory to a pink flushed orange. In healthy specimens, the fins are a distinct lemon yellow. Their most distinguishing feature is a thin black marking, above which is a stroke of neon orange.
- Maximum Size: 1.5 inches (3.81 cm)
- Aquarium Hardiness: Very Hardy
- Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner
The Glowlight Rasbora is an omnivore and not at all picky about what it eats. Nonetheless, a balanced diet is important for all aquarium fish. Feeding time with rasboras is especially fun to watch, as they will dart to the surface, grab some food, then dive an inch or so and swallow, then repeat this until the food is gone.
This fish as fairly hardy and will adapt to most aquarium conditions. Though a school of rasboras can be kept in a smaller aquarium, they will do best in about a 20 gallon size. Dense tall plantings around the sides and back are great, but these fish prefer open water in the middle of the tank for swimming.
- Diet Type: Omnivore
- Flake Food: Yes
- Tablet Pellet: Yes
- Live foods (fishes, shrimps, worms): Some of Diet
- Vegetable Food: Some of Diet
- Meaty Food: Some of Diet
- Feeding Frequency: Several feedings per day
- Water Changes: Monthly
- Minimum Tank Size: 15 gal (57 L)
- Substrate Type: Any
- Lighting Needs: Moderate - normal lighting
- Temperature: 72.0 - 79.0° F (22.2 - 26.1° C)
- Range ph: 6.0-7.5
- Hardness Range: 1 - 10 dGH
- Brackish: No
- Water Movement: Moderate
- Water Region: All - The Glowlight Rasbora rarely leaves the upper and middle regions of the aquarium, not even to chase after food.
Although the Glowlight Rasbora or Hengel's Rasbora is technically a schooling fish, they tend to swim about in loosely formed groups unless they are frightened. The more fish you have, the more apparent the schooling instinct will become. They are good community fish, and won't cause any problems as long as their tank mates don't mind an active environment. The more individuals you have the better, but consider 5 a minimum. They will have a pecking order, but will never really cause harm to each other.
- Venomous: No
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Compatible with:
- Same species - conspecifics: Yes
- Peaceful fish (): Safe
- Semi-Aggressive: (): Threat
- Shrimps, Crabs, Snails: Safe - not aggressive
There are no visible differences between the sexes.
These fish are nearly impossible to sex, and there are few reports of successful aquarium spawnings.
- Ease of Propagation: Moderate - Sexual dimorphism is as of yet unknown, although breeding is probably similar to its close relative the Harlequin Rasbora.
The Glowlight Rasbora or Hengel's Rasbora is fairly difficult to come by, but some specialized fish stores will carry them. They are often upstaged by the much more popular Harlequin Rasbora. It is sold for around $1 - $2 USD.
Animal-World References
Freshwater Fish and Plants
Tropical Fish ~ Freshwater Fish ~ Aquatic Plants
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