The espeis are slightly smaller and more copper colored, less round in body shape and more streamlined. They are very much a top to mid dweller, mine staying more towards the top (i do have a few hundred in a species tank, so that may alter slightly in a community setting). They eat very excitedly and are a ton of fun to keep. I am tryinig to figure out where to keep them in one of my displays long term because I like them so much.
If I ever set up a bigger tank, I'm thinking a pair of marble angels, a school of praecox rainbows, and a school of harlequins or maybe the espeis. And probably a botia/y group for the bottom.
I adore cardinals, but they are borderline angel food and are more sensitive than the rasboras.
When I had an even bigger tank, I had congo tetras with praecox rainbows and bleeding hearts, and a lone marble angel reject..also a lovely combo.