Espei Rasbora (Trigonostigma espei)

Family: Cyprinidae

A peaceful omnivore cyprinidae from the Mekong basin of Southeast Asia (Thailand and Cambodia) — beginner-friendly.

Care parameters

Water temperature: 23–28 °C
pH: 6–6.5
GH hardness: 5–15 dGH
Adult length: 1.8–2.5 cm
Minimum tank: 25 L
Water layer: Mid-water swimmer; keep 8+
Difficulty: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Origin: 东南亚湄公河流域（泰国、柬埔寨）

Species overview

A Cyprinidae species: Trigonostigma espei lives mid-water swimmer; keep 8+ over clear streams, rivers and still waters. Peaceful. Adults reach 1.8–2.5 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Trigonostigma species we profile, alongside Trigonostigma heteromorpha, Trigonostigma hengeli, Trigonostigma somphongsi.

Native biotope

Habitat: Clear streams, rivers and still waters
Flow: Moderate flow
Dissolved O₂: Average oxygen needs

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate: Smooth gravel and sand with open floor space
Hardscape: Driftwood, water-worn stones and shelters that mimic the native biotope
Plants: Hardy plants on hardscape; keep the floor open

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling: Keep 8+; larger groups settle better
Diet: Omnivore; quality prepared foods with variety
Recommended tankmates: Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs
Striped Bitterling — Similar size and water needs
Acheilognathus gracilis — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with: Large aggressive cichlids — Bullying and injury risk
Known fin nippers — Constant stress and fin damage

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism: Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied
Breeding method: Egg-scatterer over fine plants; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes

Frequently asked questions

Is Espei Rasbora easy to keep?

Beginner-friendly. Peaceful; keep 8+; larger groups settle better.

What temperature and water chemistry does Espei Rasbora need?

Aim for 23–28 °C. Standard heater to hold the mid-range steadily; 23–28 °C recorded range.

How big does Espei Rasbora get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 1.8–2.5 cm; it is mid-water swimmer; keep 8+. Plan for at least 25 litres.

What does Espei Rasbora eat?

Omnivore; quality prepared foods with variety. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Espei Rasbora live with other fish?

Peaceful; keep 8+; larger groups settle better. Good company: Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs, Striped Bitterling — Similar size and water needs, Acheilognathus gracilis — Similar size and water needs. Keep away from Large aggressive cichlids — Bullying and injury risk, Known fin nippers — Constant stress and fin damage.

Where does Espei Rasbora come from?

Its home waters are 东南亚湄公河流域（泰国、柬埔寨） — clear streams, rivers and still waters, with moderate flow.

How does Espei Rasbora breed?

In the aquarium: egg-scatterer over fine plants; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes. Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied.