Rasbora - Copper/Espei (Trigonostigma espei)

Espe's Rasbora is an agreeable little fish. It really couldn’t be friendlier and makes a great addition to any peaceful tank. They need to be kept in a groups of at least 8 to 10 individuals. Even though they tend not to swim in a tight school, the companionship of their own species is absolutely essential. A school could be housed in a 10-gallon tank as the bare minimum, but a 20-gallon aquarium will suit them best.

These very tolerant fish require little extra care, so they are a great fish for a beginning aquarist. To bring out their best colors, use a darker substrate and provide them with plenty of plants. The tank should be carefully covered as these fish are liable to jump if startled or excited. There simply isn’t a better fish to compliment a thoughtfully planted aquascape.

• Size of fish - inches: 1.2 inches (3.00 cm)
• Lifespan: 3 years - They have an average lifespan of about 3 to 5 years with proper care.

Fish Keeping Difficulty

The Espe’s Rasbora is very hardy and makes a great fish for beginners. They are usually not very picky eaters and will thrive on quality flake foods. With well-filtered water and regular maintenance, these fish will do very well, but they must be kept in a school.

• Aquarium Hardiness: Very Hardy
• Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner

Foods and Feeding

The Espe’s Rasboras are omnivorous. In the wild, they feed on small insects, worms, crustaceans, and zooplankton. In the aquarium, their diet should be based around a quality flake or pellet food supplemented by the occasional live snack of brine shrimp or bloodworms. They will also welcome some blanched lettuce or spinach. These fish will do best when fed several times a day, but only offer what they can eat in 3 minutes or less at each feeding. If you feed only once per day, provide what they can eat in about 5 minutes.

• 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 - Offer only what they can consume in 3 minutes or less with multiple feedings per day.