Overview
TemperamentConditionally peaceful
Social modelPair
Minimum group size1
Adult size5–6 cm
Primary swimming zoneUpper
DietOmnivore
Care
Minimum aquarium volumefrom 45 L (allowed from 30 L)
Suitable aquarium proportionsStandard
Water temperature24–27 °C (allowed 22–28 °C)
pH6.2–7.2 (allowed 6–7.5)
General hardness4–12 °dGH (allowed 2–19 °dGH)
Oxygen demandOrdinary
FeedingOmnivorous: diet can be based on high-quality dry food, supplemented regularly with small live and frozen foods for better condition and coloration.
Compatibility
CompatibilityBest suited for a calm, densely planted aquarium with hiding places; generally compatible with peaceful, not overly active neighbors, but adult males should not be kept together in tight spaces; compatibility with aggressive, highly mobile, fin-nipping species is poor.
Plant safetySafe
Plant-eating behaviourPlants are usually not eaten; the species is omnivorous and mainly feeds on small invertebrates, algae, and aufwuchs, so aquarium plants are generally not considered a significant part of the diet.
Interaction with invertebratesGenerally compatible with peaceful large invertebrates, but very small shrimp and juveniles may be eaten as food; complete safety for shrimp is not guaranteed.
Incompatible groupsIncompatible neighbors include aggressive, very active species that enjoy strong currents, as well as fish prone to fin-nipping; in a cramped aquarium, males may conflict with each other and with overly persistent neighbors.
Reference illustration · may contain inaccuracies
