Fin's Fish Guide
The Harlequin (Trigonostigma heteromorpha) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 5 cm.
Southeast Asia; forest streams and peat swamps with soft, acidic water.
Description
The harlequin rasbora is a small cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 4 cm and has an orange-pink body with a conspicuous black, triangular blotch on the rear half of the body, to which the name refers. It inhabits forest streams and peat swamps with soft, acidic water, where it lives in schools of more than a hundred fish. It feeds on worms, crustaceans and insects. It is one of the most popular aquarium fishes in the world. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Harlequin?
The Harlequin has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern. Black triangular flank blotch on an orange-pink body; globally popular schooling aquarium fish.
Where does the Harlequin live?
The Harlequin lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Southeast Asia; forest streams and peat swamps with soft, acidic water.
How big does the Harlequin get?
The Harlequin grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.
Is the Harlequin dangerous to humans?
No, the Harlequin is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Harlequin edible?
The Harlequin is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Trigonostigma
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Harlequin?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Harlequin is one of 12,519 species in the app.