Purple Harlequin Rasbora

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About Purple Harlequin Rasbora

The Purple Harlequin Rasbora is a beautiful freshwater schooling fish prized for its deep purple to burgundy body colouration and distinctive dark triangular marking. Its rich colour makes it particularly striking against lush green plants and dark aquarium backgrounds.

These peaceful, active fish are best kept in groups of 6 or more, where they feel secure and display their most natural schooling behaviour. They are excellent community fish and are well suited to planted aquariums.

Purple Harlequin Rasboras are relatively hardy once established and are easy to feed, accepting quality flakes and micro pellets alongside frozen or live foods.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Trigonostigma heteromorpha
Common Name: Purple Harlequin Rasbora
Family: Cyprinidae
Type: Freshwater Fish / Schooling Fish
Adult Size: Approximately 4–5 cm
Temperament: Peaceful
Care Level: Easy
Minimum Aquarium: 60 L+
Temperature: Approximately 22–28°C
pH: Approximately 5.5–7.5
Diet: Omnivore
Tank Level: Midwater
Group Size: 6+ Recommended
Suitable For: Community and Planted Aquariums

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Purple Harlequin Rasboras peaceful?

Yes. They are peaceful schooling fish and make excellent community tank inhabitants when kept with similarly peaceful species.

How many Purple Harlequin Rasboras should I keep?

A group of 6 or more is recommended. Larger groups generally display more confident and natural schooling behaviour.

How big do Purple Harlequin Rasboras get?

They usually reach around 4–5 cm as adults.

What do Purple Harlequin Rasboras eat?

They readily accept small flakes, micro pellets, frozen foods and appropriately sized live foods. A varied diet helps maintain their colour and condition.

Are Purple Harlequin Rasboras good for planted tanks?

Absolutely. They are excellent planted-tank fish and their purple and burgundy colouration looks particularly attractive against green aquatic plants.

Common Mistakes

Keeping only one or two fish
Rasboras are schooling fish and should be kept in a proper group.

Keeping them with large or aggressive fish
Their small size makes them vulnerable to predation and bullying.

Using an oversized filter with excessive flow
They prefer gentle to moderate water movement.

Feeding food that is too large
Use appropriately sized flakes or micro pellets suitable for their small mouths.

Adding them to an unstable aquarium
A mature, stable aquarium is best for long-term health.