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Harlequin (Trigonostigma heteromorpha) — Cyprinidae

Harlequin

Trigonostigma heteromorpha
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Harlequin (Trigonostigma heteromorpha) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

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.

Where does the Harlequin live?

The Harlequin lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

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.

Is the Harlequin edible?

The Harlequin is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Kersvlek-rasbora sourced
English name
Harlequin verified
Scientific name
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Harlequin fish; Harlequin rasbora verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Trigonostigma

More from the family Cyprinidae

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