Soft & slightly acidic is best. pH: 6.0-7.0, dH: up to 12 degrees.
Compatibility
Community
Lighting
No special requirements
Sexual Dimorphism
Mature females are larger and fuller bodied. Males in breeding condition display areas of red colouration.
Feeding
Flake, granules and frozen foods
Description
Care
The African Broad Band Darter Tetra, given its wide natural distribution area, is perhaps somewhat surprising that the pretty little characin Neolebias unifasciatus is not imported on a much more frequent basis. These fish are best maintained in groups of 6 or more, and although not tightly shoaling, they are of a peaceful disposition and appreciate the company of their own kind. Unusually for a characin, they occupy the lower-middle reaches of the aquarium and can be kept alongside peaceful bottom-dwellers and many placid top-dwelling fish without problems. Fancy long-finned species are best avoided though. The aquarium itself should be at least 3ft long and incorporate areas of dense planting and shady tangles of bogwood. From time to time, the males may become a little territorial with one another, but plenty of visual barriers within the aquarium will help to keep this at a minimum. This species will not tolerate elevated levels of nitrate, so be sure to carry out regular partial water changes.
Feeding
Flake, micropellets, small frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, daphnia, baby brineshrimp, cyclops etc.
Breeding
An egg scatterer that requires soft, acidic water in which to spawn (pH: <6.0, dH: <5 degrees). Some good sized clumps of Java moss or spawning mops should be used to collect the eggs. Remove parents after spawning has ceased in order to prevent predation.
Where can I buy these aquarium fish?
If you like this species and would like to find out more, we have an enormous range of aquarium fish and invertebrates available to buy in all of our stores across the UK (including freshwater tropical and marine fish).
However, please note that this species may not be available in your chosen store, even if the store specialises in this particular species. This is due to seasonality and stock availability from store-to-store. Please check with your local store about availability of specific species to purchase before making a journey.
For delivery before Christmas, orders must be placed on or before 3pm on Wednesday 20th December. We cannot guarantee delivery of these orders pre-Christmas as we are reliant on our couriers, but will use our best endeavours to get orders placed on this date out to you before Christmas. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here
Please note: online orders placed after 3pm on Friday 22nd December will not be dispatched until the New Year. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here
