Glowlight Rasbora
Glowlight Rasbora
Glowlight Rasbora (Trigonostigma hengeli) is the most delicate and ethereal of the five Trigonostigma species — the body is largely translucent silver-white with a vivid orange to copper iridescent stripe running along the upper body, and the black marking is the smallest and most subtle of the group. The orange stripe appears to glow from within, particularly under low lighting, giving the fish its evocative name.
Feeding & Care Tip: Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes and Hikari Micro Pellets make excellent daily staples. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp, Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Tubifex Worms, or Hikari Vibra Bites. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily.
The genus Trigonostigma was established in 1999 to separate this group from the enormous catch-all genus Rasbora. The name means 'three-spotted' in Greek — referencing the triangular black marking that defines the group. All five members of the genus spawn in the same distinctive way: the female inverts to lay eggs on the underside of broad-leaved plants such as Cryptocoryne or similar surfaces, with the male fertilizing immediately below. Native to the island of Borneo — the most southerly distribution of the Trigonostigma genus, found in the peat swamp forests of Sumatra and Borneo. The translucent body and glowing orange stripe are adaptations to the extremely dark, tannin-stained blackwater of its native habitat.
Keep in groups of at least 8. The glowing orange stripe is most luminous in subdued lighting with tannin additions — the stripe appears to intensify under dim, warm-colored light. Compatible with all peaceful nano and community species.
The spawning behavior of Trigonostigma rasboras is unique and fascinating — the female inverts completely to place eggs on the underside of a broad leaf, then the pair separate and the eggs develop without parental care. Cryptocoryne leaves are the traditional natural spawning site. The most recently described of the group and perhaps the most subtly beautiful — the glowing orange stripe in a dark blackwater setup is one of the most understated yet striking effects available in a planted aquarium.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful — active schooling community |
| Typical Adult Size | 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 8 minimum |
| Ideal Temp | 72–82°F (22–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 0–12 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 0–6 dKH |
| Staple Food | Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes; Hikari Micro Pellets |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Tubifex Worms; Hikari Vibra Bites |
| Origin | Sumatra and Borneo — peat swamp forests |
| Notes | Smallest and most subtle black marking of the Trigonostigma group. Translucent body with vivid orange iridescent stripe. Borneo and Sumatra — most southerly Trigonostigma. Stripe glows under dim light. |
