Lambchop Rasbora (Trigonostigma espei)
| Lambchop Rasbora Trigonostigma espei | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Lambchop Rasbora |
| Name Lat. | Trigonostigma espei |
| Synonym | Rasbora espei |
| Family | Danios |
| Family lat. | Danionidae |
| Order | Carps |
| Order lat. | Cypriniformes |
| Origin | Thailand, Cambodia |
| Habitat | Forest streams, ponds |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 5.0-7.0 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Swarm |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Substrate spawner |
| Breeding | Difficult |
| Life Span | 4-6 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 4 cm |
| Temperature | 23-26 °C |
| Hardness | < 10 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 60 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 1.6" |
| Temperature | 73-79 °F |
| Hardness | < 178 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 15 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the aspen danios is southeastern Thailand and adjacent Cambodia. They live in weedy pools and in slow-flowing, shady forest streams with dense underwater vegetation and clear, slightly acidic water.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a varied planting (mainly Cryptocorynen), which offers both shelters, as well as swimming space and roots, which serve as a retreat. With shaded light (floating plants) and a dark substrate covered with some foliage (sea almond leaves) they show the most beautiful coloration.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
They feed on small insects, worms, crustaceans and zooplankton. The food supply consists of live food, such as cyclops, daphnia, artemia and mosquito larvae, which are also accepted without problems frozen, plus commercially available frozen special food mixtures. High-quality, protein-rich dry food (flakes, granules) is also accepted without problems.
It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day. Only as much should be fed as is eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance
Behaviour and compatibility
They are peaceful and calm schooling fish that can be socialized well with other peaceful, small and not too lively fish. At least 8, but preferably much more aspen danios should be kept together.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water conditions and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The males are slimmer and more intensely colored. The females are more rounded and slightly larger.
Reproduction and breeding
The male usually swims around (drifts) the female in the early morning, which spawns on the underside of aquatic plant leaves, preferably Cryptocorynes. The larvae hatch after about 24 hours and swim freely after a week
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii, dust food). In a community tank breeding is hardly possible, because the spawn is easy prey.
Important
The amount of red in their coloring varies according to their origin.
Occasionally they are confused with Hengel's wedge spot danios (Trigonostigma hengeli), but they have only a thin orange-red line around the wedge spot
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels should be checked at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: petdata
Source: BMEL (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF