Family: Characidae
Moenkhausia pittieri — a Characidae from South America. Reaches 4.5–6.6 cm; keep at 23–28 °C.
Moenkhausia pittieri, 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 4.5–6.6 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 23–28 °C range. Other Moenkhausia species in our database include Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae.
Difficulty: moderate. Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory. Strong shoalers; keep in groups of 8 or more.
Aim for 23–28 °C. Heater for stable tropical warmth; 23–28 °C curated husbandry range.
Expect 4.5–6.6 cm as an adult, living middle of the water column. A 52 L tank or larger gives it room.
Omnivore with carnivorous tilt. It forages naturally over dark sand and leaf litter, so let some food reach the bottom.
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.
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.