Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Active

It is a highly peaceful but easily frightened fish that relies on its speed for safety. When kept in an appropriate group and peaceful environment, it is quite bold. It exhibits absolutely no territorial or aggressive behaviors toward other fish.

Diet

Carnivore

It is a micro-predator that feeds exclusively on tiny zooplankton suspended in the water. In the aquarium, it requires extremely small foods like rotifers, baby brine shrimp, and crushed high-quality flakes. Ensuring the food stays suspended in the water column long enough for it to feed is critical.

Sex ratio

Group

They are a shoaling species and should ideally be kept in small groups. Keeping a single individual often results in extreme shyness and poor health. Groups of five or more display the most natural and interesting behaviors.

Feeding frequency

Twice daily

Due to its active nature and small stomach, it requires frequent, small feedings. Feeding two to three times daily is essential to prevent malnutrition and weight loss. A mature aquarium providing natural microfauna is highly beneficial for its long-term success.

Bioload

This small dartfish species adds a very minimal bioload to the aquarium. It produces almost insignificant amounts of waste due to its diminutive size. Regular biological filtration easily handles any nutrients it adds to the system.

Flow

Strong

It naturally occurs in estuarine environments and prefers a moderate, steady flow of water. The flow should be enough to keep planktonic food suspended but not so strong that it exhausts the fish. Quiet resting zones should be provided among the rockwork or plants.

Jump risk

Yes

Like all members of its genus, it is extremely prone to jumping if startled. A secure, tight-fitting lid or mesh screen cover is absolutely required. It can easily slip through surprisingly small gaps in the aquarium hood.

Reproduction

Oviparous

Breeding in home aquaria is practically unheard of due to its complex lifecycle. They are likely demersal spawners with a lengthy pelagic larval stage. Rearing the microscopic fry would require highly specialized live food cultures.

Compatibility & tankmates

Peaceful

It is completely peaceful and should only be housed with similarly docile tank mates. Aggressive or large fish will quickly intimidate it and prevent it from eating. It poses no danger whatsoever to corals, small shrimp, or other delicate invertebrates.

Tank level

Middle/Bottom

It predominantly occupies the mid to upper levels of the water column. It hovers in the open water to feed but retreats to crevices near the bottom when threatened. It does not burrow or spend significant time resting directly on the sand.