Myers' Bloodfin

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Rio Negro basin (Brazil). Biotope almost identical to B. axelrodi: small shaded forest streams where leaf decomposition strongly lowers the pH.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Myers' Bloodfin (Brittanichthys myersi). Slightly larger than its congener B. axelrodi. Also endowed with the bizarre glandular caudal "hook" in adult males.

Social Behavior: Schooling micro-characin. Peaceful to the extreme. Lives hiding and swimming softly in mid-water, feeling secure only in groups of 10-15 specimens surrounded by refuges.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Similar to axelrodi, but the red coloration on the fins is more diffuse and nuanced, lacking the sharp contrast at the base. The body often has slight copper reflections. Males with gland/hook at the caudal base, females lack it and are more robust.

Aquarium Setup: Pure Amazonian 60 cm (24 inches) aquarium. The use of acidic water, gentle filtration with active peat and tangled wood is indispensable. Avoid any direct or violent artificial light source.

Diet and Feeding: Diet based solely on micro-crustaceans, daphnia, rotifers and brine shrimp nauplii. Dry granules will be ignored unless crushed to the state of powder in water.

Water Quality: Vulnerable species. Common tap water is fatal. Requires only osmosis water remineralized with special salts and added to Catappa leaf extracts. Constant tropical temperatures (24-28°C / 75-82°F).

Compatibility and Tankmates: Very weak fish in the face of food competition. Must only coexist with species of completely similar temperament and size: Paracheirodon innesi (Neon Tetras), Nannostomus or small shrimp.

Aquarium Reproduction: Procedure in captivity unknown. A reliable account on the physiology of the curious caudal fin in the reproductive process and in the development of the larvae is missing.

Risks and Diseases: Very rare in the trade due to the extremely high mortality during exports. For extremely advanced aquarists able to maintain stable Blackwater tanks.