Family: Characidae
Distribution: There is some dispute over the natural habitat of Hemigrammus boesemani: whilst it is recorded in South American countries Suriname, French Guiana and Peru, the distribution pattern hints that it is either mis-recorded in at least one country, or it has a wider range that has yet to be recorded. Whatever the case, it displays a preference for slow-moving waters in rivers and tributaries.
PH: 5.5 – 7.0 pH
Temperature: 23 – 26°C (74 – 79°F)
Hardness: 2 – 15 dH
Description: Hemigrammus boesemani will reach a maximum length of 4.5cm and prefers to be kept in shoals (at least 6, preferably ten or more). It is extremely peaceful which makes it a perfect addition to a community tank. It will not compete with larger or more active species.
The difference in sexes can be told via the swim bladder. This organ is visible through the skin, as the fish is somewhat translucent. In males, the bladder is pointed; but for females, it is rounded.
Diet: Hemigrammus boesemani are extremely easy to feed as they are omnivores that enjoy anything from flakes and pellets to live foods such as brine shrimp.
Breeding: Use the breeding method that is common to the Hemigrammus species. Set up a separate breeding tank with a pH of 5.5 – 6.5, gH of 1 – 5, and temperature of 27 – 29°C. They prefer very dim lighting, so keep the tank out of direct sunlight and include floating plants for top cover and dense plantation around the sides. As the parents will eat the eggs, include some sort of mesh or netting at the bottom of the tank so the eggs may fall through but the parents cannot reach them. Remove the parents after spawning. Soft filtration is also required for the set up.
The eggs will hatch in just over 24 hours, and the fry will be swimming around 3-4 days later. Feed the fry on infusoria for the first few days and then move onto microworm or baby brine. Both eggs and fry are extremely sensitive to light, so keep the tank in as much darkness as possible.
Hemigrammus boesemani may be spawned in groups (half a dozen of each sex) or in pairs.
Comments: The tank set up can be expensive and time consuming. It requires river sand as substrate and the addition of driftwood branches and roots. Dried leaves left for a few weeks each time will ‘stain’ the water and mimic the natural environment of Hemigrammus boesemani.
This fish is extremely rare in stores and auctions and are quickly bought.
It is best to keep this species with a one male to two female ratio.
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species: They should live happily with other Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They also should be good tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, CorydorasCatfish (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platy and most Gourami(such as the Blue Gouramiand Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also should live happily with most Danio (particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio) and also many Killifish could make great tank mates.
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