Pork Chop Rasbora
Pork Chop Rasbora (Trigonostigma espei), also sold as the Lambchop Rasbora, shares the Harlequin's warm copper-orange body but with a narrower wedge that is broader at the base with a rounded lower edge — giving the marking its distinctive chop silhouette.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Micro Pellets make an excellent daily staple. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp or Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Tubifex Worms. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily.
Native to Thailand, Cambodia, and the Malay Peninsula, this species adapts well to a range of conditions but shows its best color in soft, slightly acidic water with a planted background and dark substrate.
Keep in groups of at least six, preferably ten or more. Males in a group display their best copper tones when competing for female attention. Completely peaceful and an excellent addition to planted community tanks.
Often confused with the Harlequin in the trade, but its distinctly shaped wedge and slightly slimmer body set it apart once you know what to look for.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful — Community |
| Typical Adult Size | 1.2 inches (3.0 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 6 minimum — groups of 10+ produce noticeably brighter color |
| Ideal Temp | 73–82°F (23–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.0 |
| Ideal GH | 2–10 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 1–6 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Micro Pellets |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp, Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Tubifex Worms |
| Origin | Thailand, Cambodia, Malay Peninsula |
| Notes | Often confused with Harlequin Rasbora — wedge has distinctive rounded lower edge. Adapts to wider range of water conditions. |
