Lambchop Rasbora
Trigonostigma espei
Also known as Espes Rasbora, Lambchop
Edited by Ivan F. · Reviewed
Beginner verdict
A slim, peach-colored schooling rasbora with a thin black mark shaped like a lamb chop. It is very peaceful, has no extreme water demands, and suits a well-kept community of small fish. A lovely, slightly smaller alternative to the classic harlequin for planted tanks.
Care at a glance
- Min tank size
- 14 US gal
- Footprint
- 24 x 12 in
- Temperature
- 73–82 °F
- pH
- 5.5–7.5
- Hardness
- 1–10 dGH
- Swim zone
- Mid-Water
- Min group
- 8 fish
- Lifespan
- Not well documented
Lambchop Rasbora care mistakes to avoid
The mistakes beginners most often make with this species.
- Do not buy just one or two. Keep at least 8 fish so they feel secure.
- Keep the school together. A handful of fish will hide and lose their color.
- Avoid boisterous tank mates that outcompete it at feeding time.
- Use plants and shaded areas, which bring out its best peach and copper tones.
- Check your tank before you buy. Our sourced minimum is 14 US gallons.
Lambchop Rasbora tank mates and swim zone
Mid-Water
Spends most of its time in this part of the tank.
Poecilia reticulata
Xiphophorus maculatus
Trichogaster chuna
Trichogaster lalius
Trichopsis pumila
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
Barbodes semifasciolatus
Their temperature ranges barely overlap, so you will have little room for error.
Betta splendens
Betta often does best alone. Only try this in a larger, planted tank, and watch closely.
Trichopodus leerii
Pearl Gourami is much larger than Lambchop Rasbora and may frighten or even eat it.
Sewellia lineolata
Their temperature ranges barely overlap, so you will have little room for error.
Tanichthys albonubes
Their temperature ranges do not overlap, so one of them would always be stressed.
Xiphophorus hellerii
Swordtail is big enough to eat or bully a fish as small as Lambchop Rasbora.
Pseudomugil furcatus
One needs much harder water than the other can tolerate.
Lambchop Rasbora feeding and care
How to feed
- Feed small flakes or micro pellets as a staple.
- Add live or frozen daphnia and baby brine shrimp for condition.
- Feed small portions you can see finished within a couple of minutes, because overfeeding fouls the water fast.
Telling males from females
Mature females are usually rounder in the belly and a little larger than the slimmer, more colorful males.
Plants that suit it
Species facts
- Family
- Cyprinidae
- Native to
- Thailand and Cambodia
- Adult size
- 1.2 in (3 cm)
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social needs
- Schooling/Shoaling (6+)
- Diet
- Micro-Predator
- Water flow
- Gentle
- Substrate
- Any
- Live plants
- Yes - Loves Plants
- Shrimp
- Adult Shrimp Only
- Fin nipping
- None
- Vulnerable to nippers
- No
- Breeding
- Difficult in Home Tanks
Lambchop Rasbora FAQ
What size tank do Lambchop Rasboras need?
Our sourced minimum is 14 US gallons (54 liters), with a footprint of 60 x 30 cm. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many Lambchop Rasboras should I keep?
Keep at least 8 fish. Bigger groups usually look better and behave more confidently.
What can live with Lambchop Rasboras?
Good matches on our list include Fancy Guppy, Platy and Honey Gourami. Avoid White Cloud Mountain Minnow and Endler's Livebearer.
How long do Lambchop Rasboras live?
Lifespan is not well documented for this species. Stable water and a good diet help any animal live longer.
Can lambchop rasboras live with a betta?
Often yes in a larger planted tank, because they are calm and short-finned. Watch closely, as every betta has its own temperament.
Where to buy Lambchop Rasbora
We have not found a store that sells Lambchop Rasbora under its scientific name yet. We add stores as we confirm them.
Live animals and plants travel by courier. Check the store's live-arrival guarantee, and only buy once your tank has cycled (see how to cycle a fish tank).
Some US states restrict certain species. Check our US state aquarium rules table and your state's own rules before you buy.
Complete the tank
A forgiving setup with room for a small community.
Tank size for this species
At least 14 US gallons (54 L), 60 x 30 cm footprint
Filter
Hang-on-back or large sponge filter
Easy to maintain and strong enough for a community without blasting the fish.
We are still choosing products for this.
Heater
Adjustable heater, about 5 W per gallon: 100 W at 20 gallons, about 150 W at 29
Enough power to hold a stable temperature in most homes. Size up for a cold room.
We are still choosing products for this.
Water Conditioner
Dechlorinator such as Seachem Prime
Tap water contains chlorine or chloramine that harms fish.
Seachem Prime US
Fritz Complete Water Conditioner US
API Betta Water Conditioner US
sera aquatan Spain
Tetra AquaSafe Spain
Maker's page · Sold at Kiwoko · Sold at Tiendanimal · Sold at zooplus.es
Why we chose these (Best Water Conditioner for Betta Fish). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Test Kit
Liquid kit such as API Freshwater Master
Tracks ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH while the tank cycles.
API Freshwater Master Test Kit US
API General & Carbonate Hardness Test Kit US
Maker's page · Sold at The Shrimp Farm · Sold at Bulk Reef Supply
sera aqua-test box (Cl) Spain
JBL PROAQUATEST COMBISET Plus NH4 Spain
Why we chose these (Best Test Kit for a Freshwater Aquarium). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Cycle the tank before adding animals. See our guide on how to cycle a fish tank.