Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Active

This species has a lively and sometimes semi-aggressive temperament, especially if kept in too small of a group. They establish a pecking order within their school through frequent chasing and minor squabbles. Providing a large group and plenty of space minimizes their nipping tendencies towards other species.

Diet

Omnivore

This species is an opportunistic omnivore that will easily accept a wide variety of aquarium foods. A staple diet of high-quality flakes or pellets should be provided daily. For optimal health and coloration, supplement with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp.

Sex ratio

School

Maintaining a proper sex ratio is less critical for this species compared to some others, as they are a schooling fish. Keeping them in groups of at least eight to ten individuals ensures natural behavior and reduces stress. Having a mix of males and females can help diffuse any minor squabbles among displaying males.

Feeding frequency

Twice daily

These active fish benefit from multiple small feedings throughout the day rather than one large meal. Feeding them two to three times daily with amounts they can consume in under two minutes is ideal. This schedule helps prevent bloating and keeps water parameters stable by reducing uneaten food.

Bioload

Low to Medium

As a moderately sized fish, this species produces an average bioload in the aquarium. Proper filtration is necessary to process the waste it generates efficiently. Routine maintenance and regular water changes will ensure a healthy environment.

Flow

Moderate

Originating from slow-moving tributaries and forested pools, they prefer gentle to moderate water currents. High flow environments can quickly exhaust these fish and cause them significant stress. A sponge filter or a baffled hang-on-back filter provides the perfect amount of water movement.

Jump risk

No

Reproduction

Oviparous

They are egg scatterers that do not provide any parental care to their offspring after spawning. To encourage breeding, a separate tank with soft, slightly acidic water and fine-leaved plants is required. Once eggs are laid and fertilized, the adult fish must be removed promptly to prevent them from eating the eggs.

Compatibility & tankmates

Aggressive

This species can be somewhat boisterous and has a tendency to nip the fins of slow-moving or long-finned tank mates. Keeping them in a sufficiently large school can help direct this behavior toward each other rather than other species. Care should be taken when selecting tank mates for this fish.

Tank level

Middle/Bottom

This species primarily occupies the middle region of the aquarium water column during normal activities. They are active swimmers that appreciate ample open swimming space in the center of the tank. They will frequently dart in and out of plant thickets or hardscape for cover when resting.