Hengel’s Rasbora - Trigonostigma hengeli

Hengel’s Rasbora (Trigonostigma hengeli)

Hengel’s Rasbora, Trigonostigma hengeli, is a small, peaceful Southeast Asian shoaling fish with a slim amber body, dark wedge-shaped side marking and a bright orange glow along the flank. Also known as the Glowlight Rasbora or Glowlight Harlequin, this elegant species is a superb choice for planted community aquariums, especially where calm tank mates, soft lighting and natural shoaling behaviour are wanted. It is more delicate-looking than the classic Harlequin Rasbora, but very rewarding when kept in a proper group.

Common Name:
Hengel’s Rasbora, Glowlight Rasbora, Glowlight Harlequin, Hengeli Rasbora, False Harlequin Rasbora.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Trigonostigma hengeli
Originally described as Rasbora hengeli.

Maximum Size:
Usually around 3 cm standard length, with aquarium specimens appearing slightly longer including the tail.

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Native to Indonesia, including Sumatra and Borneo. In the wild, it is associated with tropical freshwater habitats such as quiet forest streams, peat-influenced waters, swampy margins and densely vegetated areas with subdued light, leaf litter, roots and gentle flow.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 23–28°C
pH Range: 6.0–7.5
Hardness or Salinity: Soft to moderately hard freshwater; best in stable, clean water with gentle filtration.

Temperament:
Peaceful and sociable. Hengel’s Rasbora is an excellent community fish for quiet aquariums and should be kept in a group. It is not aggressive, but can become shy or stressed if kept in small numbers or with large, boisterous tank mates.

Diet:
Omnivorous micro-feeder. Offer fine flakes, micro pellets, crushed granules, frozen daphnia, cyclops, baby brineshrimp, small bloodworm and other suitably small foods. A varied diet helps support colour, activity and breeding condition.

Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum of 60 litres is recommended for a small group, with 90 litres or more preferred for a larger shoal in a planted community aquarium.

Behaviour & Activity:
A gentle mid-to-upper level shoaling fish that looks best in groups of at least 8–10, with larger groups giving better confidence and more natural movement. It spends much of its time swimming together in open water near plants, roots and shaded areas. Floating plants, dark substrate and soft lighting help bring out the orange glow and reduce nervousness.

Aquarium Category:
Community Fish
Suitable with peaceful small fish such as rasboras, small tetras, pencilfish, dwarf gouramis, Corydoras, Otocinclus, small loaches and calm shrimp-safe community species. Avoid large predatory fish, aggressive cichlids, fin-nippers and very active fish that may intimidate or outcompete them.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Keep in groups rather than singly or in pairs. Provide a mature planted aquarium with gentle flow, shaded areas, floating plants, wood and leaf litter if desired. Avoid unstable new aquariums and sudden water changes. This species can be confused with Harlequin Rasbora, Trigonostigma heteromorpha, and Lambchop Rasbora, Trigonostigma espei; Hengel’s Rasbora is usually slimmer, more translucent and has a brighter orange line above the dark wedge.

Suitable for:
Beginner to intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Common to occasional in trade / Captive-bred or farmed where relevant

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.