Description
Physical Characteristics
- Size: Males grow to 6-8 cm (2.4-3.1 inches), and females to 5-7 cm (2-2.8 inches).
- Appearance: They have a slender body with a blue stripe along the side and transparent fins. Their body color can change depending on the lighting of the tank, typically showing a brown/yellow hue with a neon stripe.
Habitat Requirements
- Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons (90 liters) is recommended, but a 50-60 gallon (227-272 liters) tank is ideal.
- Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 22-28°C (72-82°F)
- pH: 7.0-8.0
- Water Hardness: 12-18 dGH
- Aquarium Setup: They prefer clean, slow-moving waters with plenty of plants and hiding spots. They are sensitive to water quality, so regular maintenance is crucial.
Behavior and Diet
- Behavior: They are peaceful and gregarious, often hiding among plants during the day. They are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day.
- Diet: They are omnivores and will eat small worms, insects, and vegetable debris. In captivity, they can be fed prepared foods and small live foods.
Compatibility
- Tank Mates: They can be kept with other peaceful fish of similar size. However, they are known jumpers, so a fitted lid is necessary.
- Social Behavior: They are generally peaceful towards their own species but can be shy in new environments
