Family: Characidae
Distribution: The upper Tapajos River basin in Brazil, South America is the home of Hemigrammus skolioplatus.
PH: 6.5 – 7.0 pH
Temperature: 24 – 28°C (75 – 82°F)
Hardness: 5 – 8 dH
Description: The Hemigrammus species are generally peaceful, sociable, active fish which are perfect additions to community tanks. They prefer to be kept in shoals in 6 or more.
As Hemigrammus skolioplatus was only found in 2005, there is still very little information available on it. Therefore, data such as specific social habits, sexual dimorphia and colouring is unknown.
Diet: Hemigrammus skolioplatus enjoys an omnivorous diet of both flakes or pellets, as well as live or frozen foods such as blood worms, insect larvae and brine shrimp.
Breeding: Due to the recency of their discovery, Hemigrammus skolioplatus has yet to be bred in captivity. For these reasons, the generally-accepted Hemigrammus breeding method has been included.
The first step is to separate a year old male and female from the shoal and from one another. They should be conditioned on insect larvae. Set up a breeding tank that includes peat-filtered water, natural lighting, heavy plantation and a warmer temperature than the main tank. If spawning does not occur within three days of the pair being introduced in the breeding tank, repeat the process from the start. Change one of the partners if it fails for a second time.
Remove the parents immediately after spawning or they will consume the eggs. Feed the fry on very small food particles such as Infusoria, micro-organisms, baby brine shrimp and flake foods.
Comments: Use a general Hemigrammus set up that includes some plantation around the edges and back, whilst leaving a large open area in the middle for swimming space. Some light-diffusing, floating plants may also be beneficial.
Due to the rarity of Hemigrammus skolioplatus, some information pertaining to the Hemigrammus species in general has been included.
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.
Related posts:
