At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Small, deep-bodied scaled cyprinid
A small, delicate rasbora with a greyish to pinkish body and a dark wedge or 'lamb chop' marking toward the tail. A glowing orange line runs along the upper edge of this marking. Males are slimmer and brighter, females slightly bigger and deeper-bodied.1
Personality what they are like
A calm, friendly schooling fish that mixes well with tetras, livebearers, dwarf cichlids, small catfish and loaches.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A steady mid-water swimmer that moves around the tank in a tight group.12
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Prefers soft, slightly acidic, tannin-stained water. Suggested ranges: 23-28 C, pH 5.0-7.5, hardness 1-10 dGH (FishBase gives pH around 6.0 and 5-12 dH).12
Home where they are happiest
Tank of at least 60 cm length (about 54 litres) with dense planting such as Cryptocoryne, soft lighting and gentle flow.1
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Feeds on tiny invertebrates. Offer good flakes along with small live or frozen foods such as bloodworm, daphnia and brine shrimp.1
Company who they like around
A schooling species; keep at least 8-10 together.1
The story where it all began
Described by Meinken in 1956 under the name Rasbora hengeli and later moved to the genus Trigonostigma. It comes from gently flowing forest streams and peat swamps with soft, tea-coloured water in Sumatra and Borneo.132
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It is named after J. van Hengel, a Dutch ornamental fish importer and exporter in Amsterdam.2
- 2
The genus name combines Greek words for 'three angles' and 'mark', after its triangular marking.2
- 3
Instead of scattering eggs, it lays them on the underside of broad plant leaves.1
- 4
It was originally named Rasbora hengeli.3
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed April 2020)2
- FishBase
- Described by Meinken in 19562
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Glowlight Rasbora. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Glowlight Rasbora?
Feed your Glowlight Rasbora small amounts once or twice daily. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding every day. This keeps them healthy and active.1 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Glowlight Rasbora eat, and what should it never eat?
Your Glowlight Rasbora enjoys tiny invertebrates, good quality flakes, and small live or frozen foods like bloodworm and daphnia. What it should never eat varies; ask your vet or a good breeder for safe options.1
How much space does a Glowlight Rasbora need?
Your Glowlight Rasbora needs a tank at least 60 cm long, which is about 54 litres. This gives them enough space to swim in their school.1
What temperature, light or water does a Glowlight Rasbora need?
This fish prefers soft, slightly acidic water with tannins. Keep temperature between 23-28°C, pH 5.0-7.5, and hardness 1-10 dGH. Soft lighting and gentle flow are best.12
How often should I clean a Glowlight Rasbora's home?
Clean your Glowlight Rasbora's home weekly with a 25% water change and glass cleaning. Rinse the filter monthly in old tank water, never tap water. Check temperature daily and test water weekly. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Glowlight Rasbora live with others?
Yes, Glowlight Rasboras are peaceful schooling fish. Keep at least 8-10 together, and they mix well with tetras, livebearers, dwarf cichlids, small catfish and loaches.1
How long does a Glowlight Rasbora live?
The lifespan of a Glowlight Rasbora varies. For typical longevity, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.
Can I handle a Glowlight Rasbora?
Handling is not recommended for this delicate fish. For specific advice on handling, consult a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Lambchop RasboraWhere this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- Trigonostigma hengeli - Seriously Fish seriouslyfish.comused for origin, size, care, diet, behaviour, appearance
- Trigonostigma hengeli summary - FishBase fishbase.seused for size, water parameters, IUCN, etymology
- Trigonostigma hengeli - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for former name, history
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.