Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

They are timid, nocturnal, and highly secretive fish. Providing them with PVC pipes or dense leaf litter makes them feel safe. They become much more outgoing when kept in large numbers.

Diet

Omnivore

They are opportunistic omnivores that sift through the sand for food. Sinking carnivore pellets and live blackworms are greatly appreciated. They will also consume decaying plant matter and detritus.

Sex ratio

School

They must be kept in groups to thrive and feel secure. A school of at least six is the absolute minimum recommendation. They are entirely peaceful towards one another.

Feeding frequency

Twice daily

Feeding them once daily in the evening is highly recommended. They are most active at night and will forage extensively in the dark. Provide sinking food to ensure they get enough to eat.

Bioload

This species has a negligible bioload, perfect for smaller community aquariums. They create minimal waste while actively cleaning the substrate. They help reduce organic buildup by scavenging uneaten food.

Flow

Stagnant

Gentle, diffused water flow is ideal for their comfort. They inhabit sluggish streams in the wild and dislike strong currents. Ensure adequate oxygenation without creating a whirlpool effect.

Reproduction

Oviparous

Spawning in the home aquarium is an extremely rare event. They lay distinctive greenish eggs among dense aquatic moss. Raising the microscopic fry requires established infusoria cultures.

Compatibility & tankmates

They are totally peaceful and excellent companions for small community fish. Never keep them with aggressive, large, or predatory species. Peaceful tetras and rasboras make the best tank mates.

Tank level

Bottom

They are obligate bottom dwellers that love to burrow. You will often find them hiding under rocks or buried in sand. They rarely leave the lower level of the aquarium.