Pork Chop Rasbora
Pork Chop Rasbora
Pork Chop Rasbora (Trigonostigma espei) is the smaller and more elongated sibling of the Harlequin Rasbora — the black marking is narrower and more flame-shaped (sometimes called a 'lambchop' shape) compared to the broad triangle of the Harlequin. The body is a warmer, more saturated orange-red than the standard Harlequin, and the fish reaches a slightly smaller adult size. Named for its pork-chop-shaped body marking.
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 Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos — a more northerly distribution than the Harlequin Rasbora, occurring in the Chao Phraya and Mekong drainages rather than the peat swamps of the Malay Peninsula.
Keep in groups of at least 8. The warm orange-red body and narrower black marking distinguish it clearly from the Harlequin in a mixed group. Compatible with all peaceful community species. Can be mixed with Harlequin Rasboras to observe the two closely related species interacting — they school readily together.
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 Pork Chop Rasbora is an excellent alternative to the Harlequin for aquarists wanting a slightly smaller, warmer-toned version of the Trigonostigma look.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful — active schooling community |
| Typical Adult Size | 1.75 inches (4.4 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 8 minimum |
| Ideal Temp | 72–82°F (22–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 1–15 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 0–8 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 | Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos — Chao Phraya and Mekong drainages |
| Notes | Narrower flame/lambchop-shaped black marking vs broad triangle of Harlequin. More northerly distribution — Chao Phraya and Mekong, not Malay peat swamps. Schools readily with Harlequin Rasboras. Warmer orange-red body. |
