Purple Harlequin Rasbora

The purple harlequin rasbora, also known as the black harlequin rasbora, is a rare color variant of the harlequin rasbora. The color really depends on the light reflecting off the body, which displays a purple hue and a black surface. Though these fish do occur in the wilds of Borneo and elsewhere, with color shades varying from purple to black, the purple harlequin in the fish trade is captive-bred. The purple hue on the body of the rasbora gets richer as the fish ages. This species gets along with nearly every species and grows large enough to keep in a larger community fish tank.

Quick Facts

Care Guide

Tank setup: Give them plants along the back and sides, open swimming space in front and a dark substrate. Soft, slightly acidic water and gentle filtration bring out their best color.

Feeding: Feed a quality flake or small pellet once or twice a day, only as much as they eat in a couple of minutes. They also enjoy frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp.

Tankmates: They get along with most peaceful community fish of similar size, such as tetras, other rasboras, danios, corydoras, gouramis and dwarf shrimp. Avoid large predatory fish that could eat them.

Good to know: In a well-planted tank a school of rasboras swims together in the middle of the tank, and their colors deepen as they settle in.