Lambchop rasbora

Behaviour and habits

The lambchop rasbora is a close, smaller relative of the harlequin rasbora, with a warmer, more coppery wedge-shaped body. It is a gentle, tight shoaler that spends its time drifting among plants in mid-water, and it colours up richly in soft, planted water. In a group of six or more it is bold, active and full of colour; kept in ones and twos it hides, pales and loses the copper sheen that makes it worth keeping.

What to feed, and how often

Micro-pellets or fine flake plus frozen daphnia and brineshrimp suit it well. Its mouth is small, so keep the food fine, and feed one or two small meals a day. A varied diet and soft, stable water bring out the best colour, and it is an unfussy feeder in a settled tank.

Water changes and maintenance

Change about 25% weekly in soft-to-neutral, slightly acidic water, matched closely. It appreciates stability and dislikes hard, alkaline water and sudden changes, so keep the parameters steady and avoid large or cold water changes.

Care and how easy it is

A friendly beginner shoaler that suits a planted tank with soft water and calm tankmates. Keep a group of six or more, provide plant cover, and it stays visible, colourful and peaceful.

Common health problems

Robust; ich and fin rot appear only when the fish is stressed by poor water or a chill.

If it gets sick

Keep the water soft, warm and steady, and treat early if spots or clamped fins appear. Because it is a shoaling fish, watch the whole group rather than a single individual.