Jelly bean tetra
Ladigesia roloffi
A rare West African characin with an iridescent body and delicate fins — a micro-jewel of just 2–3 cm from the rainforests of Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast and Ghana. Natural habitat is threatened by deforestation, making captive-bred specimens valuable for conservation. Extremely shy: needs schools of 8–10+ in species-only tanks or with peaceful micro-fish to feel secure. Breeding considered challenging. Soft, acidic water essential.
Température de l’eau
22 - 26 °C
Valeur du pH
5.5 - 7
Type d'eau
Eau douce
Niveau dans le bac
Milieu
Taille adulte
3 cm
Volume minimal du bac
>= 55 L
Groupe minimal
>= 8
GH
1 - 10 dGH
KH
0 - 7 dKH
TDS
15 - 220 ppm
Conductivité
23 - 344 uS/cm
Description de l'espèce
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Endemic to Sierra Leone (West Africa), Kasewe river. Inhabits pristine, densely shaded forest streams with variable currents and dead leaf substrates.
Taxonomy and Morphology: Jellybean Tetra / Sierra Leone Dwarf Characin (Ladigesia roloffi). Belonging to the Alestidae (African Tetras). Tiny, semi-transparent and with the peculiar disproportionately long bilobed caudal fin in males.
Social Behavior: Peaceful, hyperactive and obligate gregarious (Minimum 10-15 specimens). Forms very tight schools in mid-water, where males spend their time showing off (sparing) their elongated tails.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Translucent-bronze body, crossed by an iridescent golden line (above) and a thin black one (below). The belly is silver. The dorsal fin and the caudal base are bright red. Males have a caudal with very elongated median filaments.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
Aquarium Setup: Community or dedicated "West African" tank (60 cm / 24 inches). Requires a lively water flow (small wavemaker), amber humic water and lots of submerged fronds (Anubias, Bolbitis).
Diet and Feeding: Micro-predator. Because of its tiny mouth it needs powdered foods or finely crumbled flakes. Newly hatched brine shrimp or micro-worms are perfect.
Water Quality: Intolerant to nitrates or pollutants. Requires soft and slightly acidic water. Sudden changes in pH or hardness cause the immediate deterioration of the marvelous tail filaments.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: Ideal with Kribensis (Pelvicachromis) if the tank is long enough, or very small African killifish (Epiplatys). In a South American it will go well with pygmy Corydoras and Otocinclus. Easy prey for any fish over 5 cm (2 inches).
Aquarium Breeding: Complicated. Egg-scatterer. Needs a separate small tank with floating wool mops, in which they scatter very few eggs early in the morning. Highly prone to cannibalism, parents must be removed instantly.
Risks and Diseases: Commercial extinction and sensitivity. Rare species, caught in politically unstable areas, often arrives heavily compromised by parasites. Scrupulously isolate (Quarantine) new purchases.
Origine et répartition géographiques
Endemic to Sierra Leone (West Africa), Kasewe river. Inhabits pristine, densely shaded forest streams with variable currents and dead leaf substrates.
Origine
Océans tropicaux et récifsAfrique et Madagascar
Profil de poisson
- Tempérament
- Peaceful
- This is an exceptionally peaceful and somewhat timid species that relies on the safety of numbers. They become highly stressed and reclusive if kept in groups smaller than six. A quiet, heavily planted environment allows their natural schooling behaviors to shine.
- Régime alimentaire
- Omnivore
- In the wild, it is a micro-predator feeding on tiny invertebrates and zooplankton. Captive specimens readily accept high-quality crushed flakes, micro-pellets, and powdered foods. Supplementing with live or frozen baby brine shrimp greatly enhances their vitality and coloration.
- Espérance de vie
- 3-5 years
- Taille adulte
- 3 cm
- Ratio des sexes
- School
- Maintaining a specific sex ratio is not strictly required for this schooling fish. Having a balanced group or slightly more females reduces any minor intraspecific chasing. Keeping a group of at least six encourages confident behavior and vibrant male displays.
- Fréquence d'alimentation
- Twice daily
- Due to their small digestive tracts, they benefit from multiple small feedings each day. Providing food two to three times daily ensures they receive optimal nutrition. Care must be taken to offer only what they can consume quickly to prevent water fouling.
- Charge biologique
- Low
- This tiny characin has an extremely low bioload due to its diminutive size. It produces very little waste, making it highly suitable for nano aquariums. Routine water changes and gentle filtration easily maintain pristine water conditions.
- Courant
- Strong
- They originate from slow-moving African streams and prefer gentle water movement. Strong currents will exhaust them and cause severe chronic stress. Sponge filters are ideal for providing necessary filtration without overwhelming flow.
- Risque de saut
- No
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- Breeding this species is challenging and requires very soft, acidic water conditions. They are egg scatterers that provide zero parental care and will eat their own eggs. A dedicated breeding tank with spawning mops and prompt removal of adults is necessary.
- Compatibilité et compagnons
- Peaceful
- It is highly peaceful and must be kept with equally small, non-aggressive tank mates. Larger or boisterous fish will easily intimidate or consume this fragile species. Small rasboras, dwarf corydoras, and tiny shrimp make the best companions.
- Niveau dans le bac
- Middle
- They primarily swim in the middle and upper levels of the water column. Dense planting with open swimming spaces provides the ideal balance of security and freedom. Floating plants are highly beneficial as they diffuse light and encourage open swimming.
Modèles et paramètres scientifiques
FishBase
Fenêtre sur les données scientifiques officielles de l’espèce
FishBase v25.04Données synchronisées le : 15/06/2026
- Niveau trophique
- 3 ± 0,4 se
- Résilience
- Élevée (moins de 15 mois)
- Singularité phylogénétique (PD50)
- 1
- Relation bayésienne longueur-poids
- a = 0.01072, b = 3.02
- VulnérabilitéVulnérabilité faible (10 / 100)
Galerie d'images
Images sous licence liées à l'espèce ou, lorsqu'elles sont indiquées, au taxon représentatif le plus proche.
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