Family: Characidae
Hemigrammus vorderwinkleri — a Characidae from South America. Reaches 2.5–3.6 cm; keep at 23–27 °C.
Hemigrammus vorderwinkleri, 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.
Set the heater to 23–27 °C and avoid swings. pH 6–8, GH 5–19 dGH suit it.
Adults reach 2.5–3.6 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 25 litres.
Omnivore with carnivorous tilt. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.
Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory; strong shoalers; keep in groups of 8 or more. Good company: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Keep away from Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.
Comes from South America: blackwater streams and flooded forest. Expect still to gentle current and moderate.
Jumping is not a known issue; cover the tank anyway during water changes.
In the aquarium: egg-scatterer among fine plants. Subtle; females fuller-bodied.