Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

They have a peaceful but somewhat timid temperament. Once acclimated, they become active and engaging to watch. They are completely harmless to other peaceful species.

Diet

Carnivore

In the wild, they are micro-predators feeding on small insects. They easily accept high-quality flake and micro-pellet foods in captivity. Supplementing with live or frozen foods enhances their coloration.

Sex ratio

Flexible

Keeping one male with two or three females is best. This reduces any potential harassment from the males. Providing plenty of hiding spots also helps maintain harmony.

Feeding frequency

Twice daily

Feeding small amounts two to three times daily is optimal. This schedule closely mimics their natural foraging behavior. Make sure all food is consumed quickly to avoid spoiling the water.

Bioload

This species produces a minimal bioload compared to larger fish. Their small size means waste accumulation is generally slow. Standard filtration and routine maintenance easily keep the water clean.

Flow

Stagnant

They inhabit sluggish waters and prefer gentle filtration. Strong currents can easily exhaust these small fish. A sponge filter or baffled output provides the perfect environment.

Reproduction

Oviparous

They breed by laying eggs on broad leaves near the surface. The male actively guards the eggs until they hatch. A separate breeding tank is recommended for fry survival.

Compatibility & tankmates

They are peaceful and do well in community aquariums. Small tetras and peaceful bottom-dwellers make ideal tank mates. Avoid keeping them with large or aggressive species that might bully them.

Tank level

Top

They predominantly swim in the upper and middle levels. Floating vegetation encourages their natural surface-dwelling behaviors. They rarely venture to the bottom substrate.