Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

They are generally peaceful, somewhat timid fish that appreciate a quiet environment. Males will occasionally flare their fins at one another in harmless displays of dominance. A well-structured tank with plenty of hiding spots ensures they remain calm and visible.

Diet

Carnivore

As natural micro-predators, they require a diet heavily based on small invertebrates. Frozen bloodworms, white worms, and live brine shrimp are eagerly devoured. High-quality dry foods are usually accepted over time to supplement their meaty diet.

Adult size

6 cm

Sex ratio

Harem

Males are larger and distinctly more colorful than the relatively plain females. Maintaining a harem of one male to two or three females prevents exhaustion of the females. Multiple males can coexist peacefully only if the aquarium provides abundant hiding places.

Feeding frequency

Twice daily

Offering small, measured meals once or twice a day keeps adults in excellent condition. To promote spawning, increase feeding frequency and incorporate more live foods. Avoid overfeeding, as uneaten meaty foods quickly degrade aquarium water quality.

Bioload

Low

This beautiful species has a low bioload footprint, perfectly suited for modest aquariums. Biological filtration using a gentle sponge filter manages their waste perfectly. Consistent weekly water maintenance guarantees they remain healthy and vibrant.

Flow

Strong

Originating from calm coastal rainforest streams, they demand gentle, low-flow conditions. High-output filters or powerheads will exhaust these fish and suppress their natural behaviors. Simple air-driven filtration creates the ideal, tranquil environment.

Jump risk

Yes

They are exceptional jumpers, capable of propelling themselves out of even tiny openings. Securing the aquarium with a custom-fit glass or acrylic canopy is absolutely critical. Dense mats of floating plants also discourage them from approaching the water's surface too aggressively.

Reproduction

Oviparous

They are switch-spawners that can lay eggs on aquatic moss or directly on a peat substrate. The eggs typically incubate in water for a few weeks before hatching. The fry are quite resilient and can be raised on infusoria followed by baby brine shrimp.

Compatibility & tankmates

Peaceful

They are an excellent, peaceful addition to community tanks with appropriately sized nano fish. Fast-swimming or aggressive tank mates will easily outcompete them for food and cause them to hide. They shine best in a dedicated species setup or paired with peaceful bottom-dwellers like Corydoras.

Tank level

All levels

They are most commonly found exploring the middle to upper zones of the aquarium. They feel most secure in tanks heavily planted with stem plants and broad-leaved species. Floating vegetation provides essential shade that encourages them to swim freely in the open.