Lapis Tetra

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Native to the Rio Tapajós basin in Brazil. Found in small forest streams (igarapés) with acidic, tannin-rich blackwater and sandy substrates covered in leaf litter.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Classified under the Characidae family. Features a slim, compressed body with a striking blue lateral stripe reminiscent of lapis lazuli.

Social Behavior: Highly social schooling fish. Needs to be kept in a group of 8-10 specimens to feel safe and display their active behaviors.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Displays a metallic blue stripe contrasting with golden-amber highlights on the body. Spawning males show intensified coloration and slightly longer fins.

Aquarium Setup: A blackwater biotope with driftwood, leaf litter, and dim lighting is highly recommended to mimic their natural habitat.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous. Requires high-quality micro pellets or flakes supplemented with frozen daphnia, cyclops, and baby brine shrimp.

Water Quality: Sensitive to water parameters. Demands very soft (GH < 8) and acidic water (pH 4.5-6.8) with low nitrate levels.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Peaceful but shy. Best housed with other peaceful Amazonian species such as dwarf cichlids and small catfish.

Aquarium Breeding: Extremely difficult. Requires near-zero mineral content in the water and very low lighting to induce spawning.

Risks and Diseases: Highly susceptible to changes in water chemistry and stress-induced diseases if kept in hard water.