Purple Harlequin Rasbora (Trigonostigma heteromorpha)

This beautiful variant of the classic Harlequin Rasbora is truly a stunning addition to any aquarium!

The Purple Harlequin Rasbora (Trigonostigma heteromorpha) stands out with its striking purple hue, a lovely twist on the natural wild variety. Its bold colors look especially vivid against a dark substrate, making it a true showstopper. Males tend to have more vibrant coloring and sharper "lambchop" markings, while females are usually rounder. Thanks to its small size, this fish is perfect for nano tanks.

Caring for the Purple Harlequin Rasbora is simple, provided it has stable water conditions and good quality water. Like other rasboras and danios, it’s peaceful and gets along well with other calm fish, snails, shrimp, and plants. Just keep in mind that while adult shrimp are safe, it may eat shrimp fry. Being a schooling fish, it's important to keep them in groups of 6-8 or more. When kept in large groups, their natural behavior and vivid colors—especially in males competing for female attention—really shine. In a well-maintained, planted aquarium, they may even breed, with fry appearing over time.

These rasboras are omnivorous and easy to feed. They'll happily eat flakes or pellets but will thrive on a more varied diet of frozen or live meaty foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. They may also enjoy blanched veggies like zucchini or kale.

The Purple Harlequin Rasbora is a hardy, peaceful fish that’s a great fit for both planted and nano tanks.

Why We Love This Fish:

• Striking colors and unique pattern
• Perfect for schooling
• Completely peaceful
• Safe with plants
• Can potentially breed in the aquarium

Recommended Tank Parameters:

• Temperature: 72° - 79°F (22° - 26°C)
• pH: 6.0 - 7.0
• KH: 2 - 10 dKH
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

Care Tips:

• Diet: Omnivorous. Will eat flake food, algae wafers, and freeze-dried or live/frozen treats like bloodworms and brine shrimp.
• Behavior: Peaceful, social, and loves schooling.
• Origin: Tank-bred, native to Southeast Asia.
• Size: Grows to about 1.4 - 1.8 inches (3.5 - 4.5 cm), with purchase size between 0.5 - 1 inch (1.3 - 2.5 cm).