ExploreFish

Harlequin Rasbora

Boraras maculatus

Harlequin Rasboras are small fish with a striking pattern! They are friendly and love to swim in schools.

Habitat: Freshwater rivers

Appearance

The Harlequin Rasbora has a distinctive copper-orange body highlighted by a prominent black, triangular patch (resembling a 'lamb chop' shape) on its rear flank. Its fins are typically clear or subtly tinted. This unique black marking clearly differentiates it from many other small cyprinid fish.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassActinopterygiiOrderCypriniformesFamilyCyprinidaeGenusBoraras

Harlequin Rasbora

Interesting facts

Harlequin Rasboras often lay their tiny eggs on the *underside* of broad plant leaves!

Millions of these beautiful fish are bred for home aquariums worldwide every single year!

The scientific name *Trigonostigma* literally means "triangle mark" because of their unique pattern!

Their famous black triangle changes shape and intensity when they are stressed or mating!

Special abilities

Harlequin Rasbora has special instincts that help them swim in large groups, confusing predators and increasing their chances of survival.

Harlequin Rasbora can subtly change the intensity of its body colors to signal its mood or health to other fish in its school.

Harlequin Rasbora can dart away with sudden bursts of speed to quickly evade potential threats, thanks to its streamlined body.

Measurements & details

Length: 4-5 cm
Weight: 0.001-0.002 kg
Lifespan: 5-6 years
Swim Speed: 8 km/h
Max Depth: 2 m
Water Type: Freshwater

Diet & Feeding

Harlequin Rasboras are tiny insectivores that love to munch on small bugs and larvae.

Primary Foods

insect larvae
small crustaceans
zooplankton

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Water Flea

Daphnia pulex

Consumes these tiny crustaceans in the water column.

eaten by

Snakehead Murrel

Channa striata

Often targeted by larger predatory fish in its habitat.

eaten by

Common Kingfisher

Alcedo atthis

Small fish like rasboras are a food source for these diving birds.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Social

Discover creatures that love to live and work together! These animals form groups, helping each other find food, stay safe, and raise their young.

Omnivorous

Meet versatile eaters who enjoy a wide variety of foods, from plants to other animals, allowing them to adapt to many different environments. They're nature's flexible diners!

Colorful

Discover amazing plants and animals that show off a dazzling array of bright and beautiful hues! They use their vibrant colors to attract attention or send signals.