Lambchop Rasbora

Lambchop Rasbora

Trigonostigma espei

Family: Cyprinidae • Origin: Various

Lambchop Rasbora (Trigonostigma espei) is a peaceful barb reaching 1.5 inches. Keep in groups of 8+. Minimum tank size: 5 gallons.

Min Tank
5 gal
Max Size
1.5"
Temperature
73-82°F
pH
5.5-7
Lifespan
2 years
School Size
8+
Swim Level
middle
Hardness
5-15 dGH
peacefulbeginneromnivoreschooling

Is Lambchop Rasbora Right for Your Tank?

Lambchop Rasbora is an excellent choice for beginners — rated "beginner" difficulty (1/5). They're hardy, forgiving of minor water parameter fluctuations, and generally easy to feed. At just 5 gallons minimum, they work well in nano tanks and smaller setups.

With a peaceful temperament, Lambchop Rasbora makes a great community fish. They coexist well with other non-aggressive species of similar size. This is a schooling species — keep at least 8 together, or they may become stressed and display abnormal behavior. Expected lifespan: 2 years with proper care.

Common Mistakes with Lambchop Rasbora

Keeping fewer than 8 together

Lambchop Rasbora is a schooling species — they need a group of at least 8 to feel secure. Lone or paired individuals become stressed, hide constantly, and may develop health issues or aggression.

Relying on a heater without a thermometer

Lambchop Rasbora needs 7382°F. Heaters malfunction or drift over time — always use a separate thermometer to verify. Temperature swings of even 3–4°F can trigger stress and disease, particularly ich.

Putting them in a tank under 5 gallons

While 5 gallons is the minimum, nano tanks require more frequent water changes and leave less room for error. A slightly larger tank (8 gal) is much more forgiving.

Care Tips

  • Max size: 1.5 inches
  • Temperature: 73-82°F
  • pH: 5.5-7
  • Schooling — keep 8+ together
  • peaceful temperament — safe with community fish

Feeding: Standard omnivore diet. Accepts foods appropriate for Cyprinidae species.

Compatibility Notes: Typical peaceful Cyprinidae species.

Tank Setup & Water Parameters

Tank Requirements

Minimum Tank Size
5 gallons
Recommended Tank Size
8 gallons
Swimming Level
middle
Minimum School Size
8+ fish

Water Parameters

Temperature
7382°F
pH Range
5.57
Hardness (dGH)
515
Water Type
freshwater

Behavior & Temperament

Temperament
peaceful
Aggression Level
1/5
Schooling
Yes
Territorial
No
Fin Nipper
No
Predatory
No
Diet Type
omnivore
Growth Rate
moderate

Typical peaceful Cyprinidae species.

Breeding

Breeding Type
egg layer
Breeding Difficulty
moderate
Lifespan
2 years

Ideal For

5 gallon

Compatible Tank Mates

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