White star tetra

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Endemic to the Amazon River basin (Brazil and Peru). Shares the same dark and slow-flowing biotopes of small characins: secondary tributaries and flooded areas filled with foliage, with almost absent solar lighting.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Pepper Tetra (Axelrodia stigmatias). Direct cousin of the Ruby Tetra. Shares the elongated body conformation, the lack of adipose fin and the miniaturized proportions, but differs in the "colder" chromatic pattern.

Social Behavior: Peaceful but darting schooling fish. Spends most of the time suspended in mid-water in the shade of plants or woods, "quivering" the fins waiting for food particles. Requires a large group (12+ individuals) to feel safe.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Translucent silver-gray body with subtle greenish reflections. The name "Pepper" derives from countless tiny dark dots scattered on the body. The dark red or black spot at the base of the tail stands out, bordered at the top by a bright white.

Aquarium Setup: The perfect setup requires weakly filtered water (no powerhead currents). Dark substrate, a tangle of branched roots and a layer of oak or catappa leaves. Floating plants are a must to dim the light.

Diet and Feeding: Micro-predator. The mouth opening is extremely restrictive. Accepts pulverized dry food but wastes away in the long run if not supported with live microworms, vinegar eels and freshly hatched brine shrimp nauplii.

Water Quality: Very restricted tolerance to impurities. Optimal parameters include soft water (very low GH and KH) and acidic. An accumulation of inappropriate DOC (Dissolved Organic Carbon) or nitrates over 10 mg/L compromises its immune system.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Extremely peaceful and vulnerable. Recommended for tanks dedicated to microrasboras (Boraras), peaceful ornamental shrimp (Neocaridina) and small Loricariids. Absolutely unsuitable for classic "community" tanks with Angelfish, Gouramis or large livebearers.

Aquarium Reproduction: Incidental and infrequent. If kept in perfect waters and fed with live food, they scatter a few eggs in the morning among fine mosses (Taxiphyllum). No parental care; infusoria is indispensable for the very first days of the fry.

Risks and Diseases: Vulnerable to gill parasitosis if water quality drops or oxygen level is poor. Overcrowding of the tank leads the fish to fade and hide permanently.