Description
Geographic Range: Native to South America, particularly found in various river systems in Peru.
Diet: Omnivorous; feed a varied diet including high-quality flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and small insects. They may also graze on algae and benefit from occasional vegetable matter.
Average Adult Size: 3 inches (7.5 centimeters) for males, slightly smaller for females.
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons for one pair. 20 gallons for a small group; larger tanks are recommended for a community setup.
Temperament: Generally peaceful, but males can be territorial, especially during breeding. Best kept in pairs or in a harem with one male and multiple females. Compatible with other small, peaceful fish species.
Recommended Water Parameters:
pH: 6.0-7.0
Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
Hardness: 2-10 dH
Ammonia: 0ppm
Nitrite: 0ppm
Nitrate: Under 20ppm