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About the Hengel's Rasbora

The Hengel's Rasbora is a graceful and colourful nano schooling fish, admired for its shimmering copper-orange body and brilliant fluorescent orange stripe that glows under aquarium lighting. Native to the blackwater streams, peat swamps, and forest waterways of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Borneo, this peaceful species is a favourite among aquascapers for its elegant appearance and calm temperament.

Often confused with the Harlequin and Lambchop Rasboras, Hengel's Rasbora is distinguished by its slimmer body, smaller black triangular marking, and vivid neon-orange lateral stripe. When kept in large schools, they create a spectacular display as they glide through planted aquariums in perfect synchrony.

Hengel's Rasboras thrive in mature aquariums with dense planting, driftwood, leaf litter, floating plants, and open swimming areas. They are highly social fish and should always be kept in groups of at least 8–10, although larger schools display the most natural behaviour and strongest colouration. Their peaceful temperament makes them excellent companions for Ember Tetras, Cardinal Tetras, Corydoras, Celestial Pearl Danios, Gouramis, Otocinclus, Pygmy Corydoras, and freshwater shrimp.

A varied diet of premium nano pellets, crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, microworms, cyclops, and other quality live or frozen foods will maximise their brilliant colours and maintain excellent health.

Elegant, hardy, and easy to care for, the Hengel's Rasbora is one of the finest schooling fish for planted aquariums and peaceful freshwater community tanks.

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Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name

Trigonostigma hengeli

Common Name

Hengel's Rasbora

Origin

Indonesia, Malaysia, and Borneo

Adult Size

3–4 cm

Temperament

Peaceful

Diet

Omnivore

Minimum Tank Size

60 Litres

Temperature

24–28°C

pH

5.5–7.5

Water Hardness

1–10 dGH

Difficulty

Beginner

Lifespan

4–6 Years

Suitable For

Planted aquariums, blackwater aquariums, nano community tanks, and shrimp aquariums

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many Hengel's Rasboras should I keep?

Hengel's Rasboras are schooling fish and should always be kept in groups of at least 8–10. Schools of 15 or more produce the most impressive display and encourage natural behaviour.

Are Hengel's Rasboras peaceful?

Yes. They are extremely peaceful and are ideal companions for other small community fish and freshwater shrimp.

What do Hengel's Rasboras eat?

They thrive on premium nano pellets, crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, microworms, cyclops, and other live or frozen foods.

Can Hengel's Rasboras live with shrimp?

Yes. They are excellent tank mates for Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Shrimp, Amano Shrimp, and other dwarf shrimp. Newly hatched shrimplets may occasionally be eaten, but adults are generally safe.

What is the difference between Hengel's Rasbora and Harlequin Rasbora?

Hengel's Rasboras are smaller and slimmer than Harlequin Rasboras and feature a bright fluorescent orange stripe with a much smaller black triangular patch. Harlequins have a deeper body and a much larger black wedge marking.

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Common Mistakes

Keeping them in small groups

Hengel's Rasboras become shy and less colourful when kept in groups smaller than eight.

Bright aquariums with little cover

Floating plants, driftwood, and dense planting help recreate their natural habitat and encourage vibrant colouration.

Feeding oversized foods

Their small mouths require fine pellets, crushed flakes, and appropriately sized live or frozen foods.

Poor water quality

Stable water parameters, excellent filtration, and regular water changes are essential for long-term health.

Keeping them with large or aggressive fish

Choose peaceful nano and community species that won't intimidate or prey on these small schooling fish.