Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Peaceful

This tetra is peaceful, active, and somewhat timid if not kept in appropriate numbers. They must be maintained in schools of at least six, though larger groups will elicit more natural schooling behaviors. When they feel secure, they are inquisitive and lively additions to the planted aquarium.

Diet

Omnivore

In the wild, they are omnivorous micro-predators that feed on tiny invertebrates and zooplankton. In captivity, they readily accept high-quality crushed flake foods, micro-pellets, and freeze-dried foods. Supplementing their diet with live or frozen daphnia, baby brine shrimp, and bloodworms ensures optimal coloration.

Sex ratio

School

A balanced sex ratio or a slight female majority is ideal to prevent excessive male competition. Males frequently display to each other, but this behavior rarely results in any physical injury. Keeping them in a large school naturally diffuses any minor aggression among individuals.

Feeding frequency

Twice daily

They should be fed small amounts two to three times a day for optimal health. Only offer what they can consume completely within roughly two minutes to prevent water fouling. Consistent feeding of varied foods helps maintain their energetic behavior and bright metallic sheen.

Bioload

This species produces a minimal bioload due to its small size and efficient digestive system. When kept in large schools, their collective waste remains easily manageable for standard aquarium filtration. Regular water changes are still necessary to maintain the pristine water conditions they prefer.

Flow

Moderate

This species prefers a gentle to moderate water flow that mimics their natural slow-moving river habitats. Strong currents can exhaust these small fish and cause them unnecessary stress over time. Utilizing a sponge filter or baffling the output of a power filter provides an ideal environment.

Jump risk

Yes

Like many small tetras, they present a moderate jump risk, especially when startled by sudden movements or lighting changes. A tight-fitting aquarium lid or cover glass is highly recommended to prevent accidental escapes. Floating plants can also help make them feel more secure and less prone to jumping.

Reproduction

Oviparous

They are egg-scatterers that exhibit no parental care for their eggs or resulting fry. Breeding requires a separate darkened tank with soft, slightly acidic water and fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. After spawning, the adult fish must be promptly removed to prevent them from eating the eggs.

Compatibility & tankmates

Peaceful

They are exceptionally peaceful and make excellent additions to community aquariums with other small, non-aggressive species. Ideal tank mates include other tetras, rasboras, Corydoras catfish, and small loaches. Avoid keeping them with large or aggressive fish that might see them as food.

Tank level

Middle/Bottom

They are primarily mid-dwelling fish that spend the majority of their time navigating the open water spaces. They appreciate aquariums with plenty of swimming room interspersed with dense areas of vegetation. They occasionally venture to the surface during feeding times to grab floating morsels.