At a glance the quick version
Standard length; FishBase gives 2.5 cm, Seriously Fish 3 cm
Looks how to spot one
Small, deep-bodied scaled cyprinid
A small rasbora with a slightly deep, compact body. Its copper to reddish-orange sides carry a slim dark marking towards the tail whose outline looks like a lamb chop, which gives the fish its name. Males are slimmer with crisper markings and stronger colour, females are a little larger and rounder.123
Personality what they are like
A calm, gentle fish that gets along with most small, peaceful tankmates. It feels most secure and shows its best colour when kept in a decent-sized group.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
An active mid-water swimmer that likes open swimming space as well as planted cover; it schools more readily in a roomier tank.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Regular partial water changes and stable, soft to moderately hard water suit it. Colour is best on a varied diet that includes small live or frozen foods.1
Home where they are happiest
Minimum footprint of about 60 x 30 cm (around 54 litres), larger is better for a school. Temperature 23-28 °C, pH roughly 5.5-7.5 (FishBase lists 6.0-6.5), hardness 1-10 dGH. Planted tanks with some broad-leaved plants work well.12
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A micropredator in the wild. In the aquarium it takes small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia and Artemia, along with good quality flakes and granules.1
Company who they like around
A schooling fish; keep at least 8-10 together. Good companions are tetras, livebearers, dwarf cichlids and other small peaceful species.1
The story where it all began
The species was first described by Meinken in 1967 under the name Rasbora espei and was later moved to the genus Trigonostigma alongside the harlequin rasbora. In the wild it lives in ponds and marshy areas with thick aquatic plant growth in Thailand and Cambodia.23
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Its common name comes from the dark marking on its flank, which is shaped like a lamb chop.3
- 2
Unlike many rasboras that scatter their eggs, it sticks its eggs to the underside of broad plant leaves.1
- 3
Seriously Fish notes that fish around a year old or more tend to breed more successfully than younger ones.1
- 4
In the wild, spawning takes place in very shallow water only about 15-20 cm deep.2
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Assessed as Least Concern (March 2011)2
- FishBase
- Described by Meinken in 1967; listed as a commercial aquarium species2
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Lambchop Rasbora. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Lambchop Rasbora?
Feed small amounts once or twice a day, as Furry Diary's starting plan suggests. This matches their micropredator nature and keeps water quality stable.1 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Lambchop Rasbora eat, and what should it never eat?
They enjoy small live and frozen foods like bloodworm, Daphnia, and Artemia, plus quality flakes and granules. Avoid large or tough foods that could harm their tiny mouths.1
How much space does a Lambchop Rasbora need?
A minimum tank footprint of about 60 x 30 cm (around 54 litres) is needed for a school, but larger is better. They are active mid-water swimmers that appreciate open space and planted cover.1
What temperature, light or water does a Lambchop Rasbora need?
Keep water temperature between 23-28 °C, pH roughly 5.5-7.5, and hardness 1-10 dGH. A planted tank with some broad-leaved plants works well, and stable conditions are key.12
How often should I clean a Lambchop Rasbora's home?
Furry Diary's plan suggests a weekly 25% water change, along with weekly glass cleaning and water testing. Rinse the filter monthly in old tank water, never tap water. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Lambchop Rasbora live with others?
Yes, they are calm and gentle, getting along with most small, peaceful tankmates like tetras, livebearers, and dwarf cichlids. Keep them in a school of at least 8-10 for best colour and security.1
How long does a Lambchop Rasbora live?
Lifespan varies depending on care and environment; for specific expectations, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.
Can I handle a Lambchop Rasbora?
No, handling is not recommended as it can stress or injure this small, delicate fish. Enjoy watching them swim in their tank instead.1
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
You might also like
Harlequin Rasbora
Chili RasboraWhere this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
- Seriously Fish - Trigonostigma espei seriouslyfish.comused for origin, size, water parameters, care, diet, behaviour, breeding facts
- FishBase - Trigonostigma espei fishbase.seused for description author/year, IUCN status, size, habitat, water parameters
- Wikipedia - Lambchop rasbora en.wikipedia.orgused for naming, original genus, distribution
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.