Family: Characidae
Dash-dot tetra — a Characidae from South America. Reaches 2.5–3.6 cm; keep at 23–27 °C.
Hemigrammus bellottii, 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 2.5–3.6 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 23–27 °C range. Other Hemigrammus species in our database include Hemigrammus bleheri, Hemigrammus ocellifer, Hemigrammus rhodostomus.
Difficulty: moderate. Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory. Strong shoalers; keep in groups of 8 or more.
Hold 23–27 °C and keep it stable — 23–27 °C recorded range. Heater for stable tropical warmth.
Expect 2.5–3.6 cm as an adult, living bottom-dwelling. A 25 L tank or larger gives it room.
Omnivore with carnivorous tilt. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.
Yes, with care. Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory — pair it with Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs and skip Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.
Native to South America, where it lives in blackwater streams and flooded forest. Still to gentle current; Moderate.
Not a noted jumper — a standard cover still keeps dust and spray in.
In the aquarium: egg-scatterer among fine plants. Subtle; females fuller-bodied.