Aphyocharax erythrurus

Family: Characidae

Aphyocharax erythrurus — a Characidae from South America. Reaches 4.1–6.1 cm; keep at 22–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
22–26 °C
pH
6–7.5
GH hardness
10–20 dGH
Adult length
4.1–6.1 cm
Minimum tank
45 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory
Origin
South America

Species overview

Aphyocharax erythrurus, a member of the family Characidae, comes from South America, where it inhabits blackwater streams and flooded forest. Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory and omnivore with carnivorous tilt, it grows to 4.1–6.1 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 22–26 °C range. Other Aphyocharax species in our database include Aphyocharax anisitsi, Aphyocharax nattereri, Aphyocharax rathbuni.

Native biotope

Habitat
Blackwater streams and flooded forest
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Dark sand and leaf litter
Hardscape
Driftwood and dense plant edges
Plants
Floating and shaded plants appreciated

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Strong shoalers; keep in groups of 8 or more
Diet
Omnivore with carnivorous tilt
Recommended tankmates
  • Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with
  • Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Subtle; females fuller-bodied
Breeding method
Egg-scatterer among fine plants

Frequently asked questions

Is Aphyocharax erythrurus easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory; strong shoalers; keep in groups of 8 or more.

What temperature and water chemistry does Aphyocharax erythrurus need?

Set the heater to 22–26 °C and avoid swings. pH 6–7.5, GH 10–20 dGH suit it.

How big does Aphyocharax erythrurus get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 4.1–6.1 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 45 litres.

What does Aphyocharax erythrurus eat?

Omnivore with carnivorous tilt. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Aphyocharax erythrurus live with other fish?

Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory. Recommended tankmates: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Avoid Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Aphyocharax erythrurus come from?

Its home waters are South America — blackwater streams and flooded forest, with still to gentle current.

Does Aphyocharax erythrurus jump?

Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.

How does Aphyocharax erythrurus breed?

In the aquarium: egg-scatterer among fine plants. Subtle; females fuller-bodied.