Half-banded Pyrrhulina

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Widely distributed in the middle Amazon River basin in Brazil. Populates slow environments: igarapés (jungle streams), marginal forest lakes saturated with plant debris, often sheltered by the dense arboreal layer.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Half-banded Pyrrhulina (Pyrrhulina laeta). The Latin term "laeta" means lively/cheerful. Shares the tapered shape of the Lebiasinidae family. Absence of adipose fin, upward-oriented mouth suitable for snatching prey on the surface.

Social Behavior: Peaceful towards other species, but pronounced territoriality among males competing for positions under the leaves. Recommended to keep small groups (at least 6 fish) with a preponderance of females.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Delicate but splendid coloration: iridescent light brown body crossed by a solid black lateral stripe ("Half-banded"). Males exhibit enormous unpaired fins with a bright orange-red border and yellow nuances on the apex.

Aquarium Setup: The aquarium, minimum 80 cm (32 inches), must emulate a calm forest stream. The water must be tinted with dark tannins. Vital surface cover: use water lilies (Nymphaea) or large sword plants (Echinodorus) whose leaves float.

Diet and Feeding: Visual micro-predator hunter. Totally snubs food that sinks to the bottom. Feeding consists of providing on the water surface brine shrimp, drosophila, freeze-dried mosquitoes (bloodworms) and micro-flakes.

Water Quality: Loves well-stabilized, very soft, acidic water (pH around 6.0) filtered with granular peat. The current must be imperceptible so that the males do not have to strain themselves too much when displaying under the surface.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Stunning in combination with peaceful benthic species, such as small Loricariids and Corydoras, and docile Apistogramma or Dicrossus. To be avoided are competitive surface fish (like aggressive Hatchetfish or large Danios).

Aquarium Reproduction: A miracle of dedication: the female lays 100 to 200 eggs on a large submerged leaf chosen and cleaned beforehand by the male. He chases everyone away and fans oxygen on the eggs for the 48h needed for hatching.

Risks and Diseases: Uncovered tank equals lethal jump. Fearful species that fades quickly in bright and sterile setups, refusing to eat to the point of starvation or falling ill with Ichthyophthirius.