How to Care for a Harlequin Rasbora

The Harlequin Rasbora is a peaceful, tropical freshwater fish that has shimmery, silver coloring with copper and red along the fins. It also has a characteristic black triangle marking in the center of its body, which combined with its other markings make it an attractive aquarium fish. This non-aggressive fish is a strong swimmer that prefers to mingle in the top part of its tank. Harlequin Rasboras are a good choice for beginners at keeping aquarium fish because they are hardy and thrive with easy care. They also do well by themselves, in a school of other Rasboras and with other peaceful tank mates.

Things You'll Need

  • Fish tank or aquarium
  • Harlequin Rasboras
  • Filter
  • Aquatic or artificial aquarium plants
  • Soft to medium water
  • Frozen, flake or live food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare your aquarium for Harlequin Rasboras. Because they are hardy swimmers, they prefer a tank that is at least 10 gallons or 20 inches long. Keep the water temperature between 73 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit or 22 to 25 degrees Celsius. Harlequin Rasboras do best in tanks with a pH balance between 5 to 7, and prefer water that is soft to medium. Low filtration is all that is needed for basic water maintenance. Harlequin Rasboras do best in dim lighting. They also enjoy an open area in the center of the aquarium, with live or artificial aquatic plants around the sides of the tank for hiding and mating.

    • 2

      Purchase your Harlequin Rasboras. Because they are a popular aquarium fish, they are easily found in most pet or aquarium supply stores. Though you can keep one or two Harlequin Rasbora, they do best in schools of eight or more. If you already have other tank mates, or plan to get them, make sure they are also passive fish. Platies, Corys, neons and barbs are good choices for companion fish for Harlequin Rasboras.

    • 3
      The multi-color body of the Harlequin Rasbora shimmers when it catches light.

      Introduce your Harlequin Rasboras to your aquarium. Dim the lights in the room, and set the bag containing your Rasboras in your tank for at least 30 minutes. This will help the fish adapt easily to any temperature changes. Release them into the tank, preventing as much water from the bag as possible from going in with Harlequin Rasboras.

    • 4

      Provide a variety of fish food for your Harlequin Rasboras. Though this hardy species does well with flake food, they also enjoy live and frozen food. Bloodworms and small pieces of frozen fish food are a good choices to vary the diets of Harlequin Rasboras. Feed them twice a day, generously if you have a large school in your aquarium.

    • 5

      Take special care if you plan to breed your Harlequin Rasboras. Keep the room dimly lit and the temperature in the tank around 82 degrees Fahrenheit or 25 degrees Celsius. Do not let the pH balance of the water go above 6 for best results. Be sure to have an area in your aquarium with dense vegetation for your Harlequin Rasboras to hide in while breeding and to deposit their eggs in when the time arrives. Once the fry hatch, remove them and place them in a separate tank to prevent the adult Rasboras from eating them.