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Care guide · Freshwater · fish

Hengel’s rasbora

Trigonostigma hengeli

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Hengel’s rasbora, Trigonostigma hengeli, is a small, peaceful shoaling fish from Southeast Asia. Its current scientific name and placement in Danionidae: Rasborinae follow Eschmeyer’s Catalog of Fishes. Older sources may still list Cyprinidae or the historical combination Rasbora hengeli. The trade name ‘glowlight rasbora’ is also used for Trigonopoma pauciperforatum, so check the scientific name. This species does best in a calm group with cover and an open swimming area. When buying, look for active, undamaged fish and ask about their origin and accustomed foods when possible.

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At a glance

Temperature
23–28 °C
pH
5.0–7.5
GH
1–10 °dGH
Aquarium length
At least 60 cm
Minimum aquarium volume
At least 54 L
Adult size
At least 3 cm
Group size
At least 10 individuals
Temperament
Peaceful

About this species

FishBase and Seriously Fish report a maximum standard length of about 3 cm. Standard length ends at the tail base and is not total length. The slender fish has a conspicuous orange stripe and dark wedge-shaped flank marking, but colour intensity varies with light, condition and stress. Do not identify it by colour alone: related Trigonostigma species also have dark flank markings.

Natural habitat

The Catalog of Fishes places the species in the Batang Hari drainage of central Sumatra and coastal peat swamps of West Kalimantan. This is more specific than older summaries that broadly say Sumatra and Borneo. Its natural setting includes quiet, shaded freshwater habitats. A dark substrate, roots, subdued light and patches of planting can create a calm aquarium. Do not turn a trade description into a firm claim about exact pH or water colour at every locality.

Aquarium and layout

Seriously Fish recommends a minimum base of 60 × 30 cm, about 54 litres at its reference height, because this fish should be kept in numbers. This is the profile’s guideline, not a scientifically proven boundary for every tank shape. Choose a mature aquarium with stable water quality. Combine sheltered margins with open swimming space; floating plants can diffuse light. Avoid filling the entire swimming area with decoration.

Water conditions

The specialist profile gives 23–28°C, pH 5.0–7.5 and GH 1–10 dGH. FishBase gives a similar temperature but a narrower reported chemical observation. That single reported value is not a reason to set every aquarium to one exact pH. Keep conditions stable, avoid abrupt changes and acclimate arrivals gradually. Appropriate routine water changes and maintenance help preserve water quality.

Behaviour and group size

This is a peaceful shoaling fish. Keep it with conspecifics; the specialist profile consulted does not support an exact minimum count, so this guide does not invent one. Tankmates must be small and calm enough not to harass the hengeli or treat it as prey. Assess adult size, behaviour, swimming room and overlapping water needs. Large predatory or dominant fish are unsuitable. In a mixed community, make sure both shoals still have adequate space.

Feeding

In nature the species is probably a micropredator of small invertebrates. For aquaria, Seriously Fish recommends small live or frozen foods such as suitable water fleas and brine shrimp, alongside quality flakes and fine granules. Food particles must fit its small mouth. Offer variety in small portions and check that shy individuals feed. Remove excess food so it does not unnecessarily degrade water quality.

Breeding

Specialist aquarium information describes Trigonostigma eggs being attached to leaves; Aquarist Atlas describes adhesive eggs on the underside of broad leaves and no parental care. Treat this as practical genus-level aquarium guidance, not a guarantee of breeding success. No verified exact egg count, hatch time or rearing duration is established here. Adults may eat eggs or larvae. A breeding attempt therefore needs a separate prepared tank, careful observation and suitable tiny first foods.

Sources & review

This care guide draws on several specialist sources and was last checked on .

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