Dawn tetra

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Endemic to the Paraguay River basin in South America. Found in secondary watercourses and lagoons with predominantly clear or amber waters, protected by dense submerged fronds.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Dawn Tetra (Aphyocharax paraguayensis). Tiny characin in the shape of a thin spindle. Adapts to moving nimbly among the thick vegetation in search of small insects.

Social Behavior: Peaceful and exuberant. Being a schooling species, it needs to live in flocks of at least 10-15 specimens. The interaction between males for courtship produces fascinating carousels but without harmful consequences.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: The body is semi-transparent golden (evoking the colors of the dawn). The peculiarity is a distinct rhomboidal black spot at the base of the caudal fin, surmounted by a white spot. Females visibly rounder in the abdomen.

Aquarium Setup: Perfect for nano-aquariums (minimum 60 cm / 24 inches in length) planted in a "Jungle" or "Blackwater" style. The addition of catappa leaves to the bottom and the use of soft lights will enhance the delicate coloring of the fish.

Diet and Feeding: Mainly carnivorous/insectivorous. Endowed with a tiny mouth, it requires micro-pellets, brine shrimp nauplii, microworms and daphnia. It will ignore flakes that are too large or hard that fail to soften on the surface.

Water Quality: Loves soft and weakly acidic waters, but shows a tough temper adapting even to moderately hard tap values (up to pH 7.5). Intolerant to sudden temperature changes.

Compatibility and Tankmates: An impeccable tankmate. Perfect together with Microrasboras, Pygmy Corydoras, Otocinclus and Neocaridina shrimp (only preys on the zoeae). Not to be inserted with Angelfish or fish capable of swallowing them whole.

Aquarium Reproduction: Reproduces by scattering very small free eggs on Java moss or other fine supports. Without a specific nursery tank with a grid on the bottom, the eggs are regularly devoured by the parents themselves in a few hours.

Risks and Diseases: Subject to contracting "Neon Tetra Disease" (Pleistophora) if tank hygiene is neglected or introduced by new infected fish. The micro-size makes it an easy victim of the suction of powerful filters.