Hobbies And Interests
Size
Females grow slightly larger and are more round than males. However, this method of gender identification is known to be inaccurate due to poorly conditioned females being identified as male specimens. Aggressive males consuming more food will grow as large as some females.
Fin Coloration
As with most Rasboras, the dorsal fin of the female has more color than the dorsal fin of the male.
Hatchet Coloration
The black hatchet-shaped patch on the male Harlequin Rasbora is slightly rounded on the bottom of the patch. The patch tip also extends farther along the tail than the one found on the female. Female patch pattern has a straight edge at the bottom portion of the hatchet.
Behavior
Males chase females during mating rituals. The lead fish of a set of Harlequin Rasboras is likely a female.
Breeding
Harlequin Rasboras breed for several days. The female will lay her eggs on a broad flat area, such as a leaf. Other fish will eat the eggs during breeding and should be removed. Remove the parents from the tank following breeding to prevent the eggs from being eaten. Water levels should be dropped to 4 to 6 inches, with water flowing over the eggs during incubation. Once hatched, feed the the fry infusoria. At 7 to14 days of growth, feed the fry brine shrimp nauplii until they are large enough to consume larger flake food.