Care
As might be expected, this small fish specialises in complex shallow water habitats that offer plenty of cover, usually in the form of aquatic plants.
Having adapted to a range of parameters, these little rainbows are tolerant of a wide range of conditions that include acidic water high in tannins where leaf litter is abundant. This makes them the perfect inhabitants for small, planted aquaria, where they can be kept alongside shrimp and other peaceful tankmates. Conditions in the shallows fluctuate considerably and across their distribution they’ve been found in water between 12-34C. We’d suggest avoiding these extremes but some seasonal fluctuation would duplicate the variations caused by seasonal rainfall and hot dry periods encountered by wild fishes.
Like most rainbowfishes, males will display to intimidate rivals and impress females. An aquarium which enables them to get out of sight of one another will give the best results, as will keeping them in numbers sufficient to spread any aggression. Under these conditions, they will ignore most other fish and will be busy with daily rituals such as spawning.
A number of closely related species have been described in recent years and some may be waiting for classification. In the meantime, it’s wise not to mix named varieties to remove the risk of hybridisation. May also be seen as Gertrude’s blue eye.
Feeding
Flake, micropellets, and small frozen foods such as daphnia, baby brineshrimp (Artemia nauplii), cyclops etc.
Breeding
For best results, a separate breeding aquarium should be set up, furnished with plenty of moss or floating plants with long, trailing roots or spawning mops that provide suitable egg deposition sites at all levels of the tank. Morning sunshine often triggers this species into spawning, and after an elaborate courtship dance from the male, the female/s will scatter eggs over the plants/mops. These fish are known as 'continuous spawners' which means that the eggs are deposited over a period of some days/weeks. As an alternative, the eggs, which are relatively large, can be removed to another tank (with matching water conditions) after each spawning, as otherwise the hungry parents may consume them. The eggs usually hatch within 14-21 days, the timescale being very dependent on water temperature. The fry should be offered infusoria and powdered fry foods, moving on to baby brine shrimp or microworms.
