Family: Characidae
Hemigrammus rhodostomus — a Characidae from South America. Reaches 4.1–6.1 cm; keep at 23–29 °C.
Hemigrammus rhodostomus, 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 23–29 °C range. Other Hemigrammus species in our database include Hemigrammus bleheri, Hemigrammus ocellifer, Hemigrammus erythrozonus.
Intermediate difficulty. Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory; strong shoalers; keep in groups of 8 or more.
Hold 23–29 °C and keep it stable — 23–29 °C curated husbandry range. Heater for stable tropical warmth.
Adults reach 4.1–6.1 cm; it is middle of the water column. Plan for at least 45 litres.
Omnivore with carnivorous tilt. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.
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.
Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.
Egg-scatterer among fine plants. Subtle; females fuller-bodied.