Hengeli Rasbora (Trigonostigma hengeli) – Freshwater Aquarium Fish

Hengeli Rasbora (Trigonostigma hengeli) is a beautiful, peaceful schooling fish recognised for its glowing orange stripe and distinctive black body marking. Its small size, gentle temperament and active swimming behaviour make it an excellent addition to planted freshwater community aquariums.

Growing to approximately 3cm, Hengeli Rasboras look particularly impressive when kept in groups of eight to ten or more. As the fish swim together, their bright orange markings create flashes of colour against green aquarium plants and darker substrates.

These attractive little fish are ideal for aquarists looking for a peaceful schooling species that adds movement and colour without dominating the aquarium.

At a Glance – Hengeli Rasbora

• Scientific Name: Trigonostigma hengeli
• Common Name: Hengeli Rasbora, Hengel's Rasbora
• Family: Danionidae
• Origin: Sumatra, Indonesia; also reported from Borneo
• Adult Size: Approximately 3cm
• Temperament: Very peaceful
• Care Level: Easy in an established aquarium
• Minimum Aquarium: Approximately 54–60 litres with a footprint of at least 60 x 30cm
• Recommended Group: 8–10 or more
• Temperature: 23–28°C
• pH: 5.0–7.5
• General Hardness: 1–10 dGH
• Diet: Omnivorous in the aquarium; naturally feeds on tiny invertebrates
• Swimming Level: Mainly middle and upper water levels
• Suitable Aquarium: Peaceful tropical community or planted aquarium

Why Choose Hengeli Rasboras?

• Beautiful orange markings: A bright orange stripe contrasts with a black body marking.
• Peaceful community fish: Suitable for aquariums containing other gentle tropical species.
• Active schooling behaviour: Particularly attractive when kept in larger groups.
• Compact adult size: Reaches approximately 3cm when mature.
• Excellent for planted tanks: Looks attractive among aquatic plants and natural driftwood.
• Easy to feed: Accepts appropriately sized flakes, micro pellets and small frozen foods.
• Suitable for established aquariums: A rewarding choice for beginners and experienced fishkeepers.

A Beautiful Schooling Fish for Planted Aquariums

Hengeli Rasboras are particularly attractive in aquariums with plenty of aquatic plants, natural wood and open swimming space.

Their translucent silver-grey bodies feature a black marking along the rear half, bordered by a vivid orange stripe. This distinctive colour pattern becomes especially noticeable when the fish feel secure in a well-planted aquarium.

A darker substrate, floating plants and areas of subdued lighting can help bring out their natural appearance.

Hengeli Rasboras are smaller and generally less deep-bodied than the familiar Harlequin Rasbora, making them a lovely alternative for smaller planted community displays.

How Many Hengeli Rasboras Should You Keep?

Hengeli Rasboras are naturally social fish and should be maintained in groups of at least eight to ten individuals.

Keeping a larger group helps the fish feel secure and encourages more natural swimming and social behaviour. When kept in insufficient numbers, these small fish may become noticeably shy.

For the most attractive display, provide plenty of room for the fish to swim together through the middle and upper areas of the aquarium.

Our recommendation: Choose a group of ten or more Hengeli Rasboras for a well-established aquarium with suitable swimming space.

Suitable Tank Mates for Hengeli Rasboras

Hengeli Rasboras are very peaceful and can be housed with many similarly sized tropical community fish.

Suitable tank mates may include:

• Small Tetras: Peaceful species with similar water requirements.
• Other Small Rasboras: Compatible, non-aggressive schooling species.
• Corydoras Catfish: Peaceful bottom-dwelling fish suited to similar conditions.
• Kuhli Loaches: Gentle bottom dwellers that appreciate planted aquariums and hiding places.
• Otocinclus: Suitable in mature, well-established aquariums with appropriate feeding.
• Peaceful Dwarf Gouramis: Carefully selected species and individuals with compatible requirements.
• Amano Shrimp: Generally compatible in a suitable community aquarium.

Avoid large predatory fish and aggressive species that may chase, stress or eat these small rasboras.

Adult dwarf shrimp may coexist with Hengeli Rasboras, but very small shrimplets can be eaten. A densely planted aquarium provides additional cover, although it cannot guarantee shrimplet safety.

Ideal Aquarium Setup

Hengeli Rasboras naturally inhabit gently flowing forest streams with aquatic vegetation, fallen leaves and shaded areas.

To create a suitable aquarium environment:

• Use a mature, fully cycled aquarium with stable water conditions.
• Provide dense plants around the sides and rear of the aquarium.
• Leave open swimming space through the centre.
• Include driftwood or other natural decorations for additional cover.
• Use gentle to moderate water movement rather than excessive current.
• Consider floating plants to create shaded areas.
• Use a secure aquarium lid to reduce the risk of fish jumping.

Plants such as Cryptocoryne, Java Fern, Anubias and aquarium mosses work well in suitable setups.

Browse our aquascaping supplies to create a natural freshwater aquarium.

Water Parameters and Care

Hengeli Rasboras prefer clean, stable freshwater, typically on the softer and more acidic side.

• Temperature: 23–28°C
• pH: 5.0–7.5
• General Hardness: 1–10 dGH
• Ammonia: 0ppm
• Nitrite: 0ppm
• Nitrate: Maintain at low levels through appropriate filtration and maintenance

Stable conditions are more important than attempting to achieve an exact pH value through sudden chemical adjustments.

Introduce Hengeli Rasboras only after your aquarium is fully cycled and the water parameters are appropriate for the species.

What Do Hengeli Rasboras Eat?

Hengeli Rasboras naturally feed on tiny invertebrates and other small aquatic organisms. In the aquarium, they readily accept a variety of appropriately sized prepared and frozen foods.

Suitable foods include:

• High-quality tropical fish flakes, crushed if required.
• Fine micro pellets designed for small tropical fish.
• Small frozen or live Daphnia.
• Baby brine shrimp.
• Other appropriately sized live or frozen foods.

Feed small amounts once or twice daily, offering only what the fish can comfortably consume.

A varied diet helps support healthy body condition and natural colouration.

Explore our aquarium fish food range for suitable tropical fish foods.

Hengeli Rasbora vs Harlequin Rasbora

Hengeli Rasboras are sometimes confused with Harlequin Rasboras and Espei Rasboras because all three species have distinctive dark body markings.

However, Hengeli Rasboras are usually smaller and more slender, with a relatively translucent body and a bright orange stripe bordering the dark marking.

Harlequin Rasboras are generally larger and deeper-bodied, with a broader black triangular patch.

Hengeli Rasboras make an especially attractive choice where a smaller, more delicate-looking schooling fish is desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Hengeli Rasboras grow?

Hengeli Rasboras reach approximately 3cm as adults, making them one of the smaller commonly available Trigonostigma rasboras.

How many Hengeli Rasboras should I keep together?

Keep at least eight to ten Hengeli Rasboras together. Larger groups can help them feel more secure and display natural schooling behaviour.

Are Hengeli Rasboras suitable for beginners?

Yes. Hengeli Rasboras are relatively easy to care for in a mature, fully cycled aquarium with stable water parameters and peaceful tank mates.

Can Hengeli Rasboras live with shrimp?

They can coexist with many adult freshwater shrimp in a suitable aquarium. However, newly hatched shrimplets may be eaten.

What temperature do Hengeli Rasboras need?

Hengeli Rasboras are best maintained at approximately 23–28°C in stable tropical freshwater conditions.

Are Hengeli Rasboras aggressive?

No. They are very peaceful schooling fish and are generally suitable for community aquariums with other non-aggressive species.

What size tank do Hengeli Rasboras need?

A mature aquarium of approximately 54–60 litres or larger, with a footprint of at least 60 x 30cm, is a sensible minimum for a small group.

What do Hengeli Rasboras eat?

They accept fine tropical flakes, micro pellets and appropriately sized frozen or live foods such as Daphnia and baby brine shrimp.