Purple Harlequin Rasbora

Purple Harlequin Rasbora

Purple Harlequin Rasbora (Trigonostigma heteromorpha) is a captive-developed color morph of the classic Harlequin Rasbora — the warm copper-orange body coloration of the standard fish is replaced by a vivid blue to purple-blue iridescence, while the defining black triangular wedge is retained. The purple-blue iridescence shifts and changes with light angle, giving this morph a jewel-like quality that is quite different from the warm tones of the standard form.

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. The purple/blue color morph is produced by selective breeding that enhances the blue iridescent elements of the body scaling at the expense of the warm copper-orange pigmentation.

Keep in groups of at least 8. The blue-purple iridescence is most vivid in subdued lighting with a dark background. Can be mixed with standard Harlequin Rasboras for a two-tone school effect. All care requirements are identical to the standard Harlequin.

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.

Care & Ideal Parameters