False black tetra - Gymnocorymbus thayeri

Scientific name: Gymnocorymbus thayeri

Common name: False black tetra

Family: Characidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 4 - 5 cm (1.57 - 1.97 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.3 - 7.4

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 5 - 22°N (89.29 - 392.86ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 22 - 27 °C (71.6 - 80.6°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Top levels

Food and feeding

False black tetras should accept all foods offered. They require a quality flake or pellets for their staple diet but the addition of live or frozen foods will benefit these fish.

Origin

South America; False black tetras can be found in the waterways of Colombia, Brazil and Bolivia.

Sexing

Males and females can look similar but the females will have a plumper appearance.

Breeding

Provide a planted tank for breeding purposes and use soft, acidic water. Condition the parents with live or frozen foods for two weeks prior to the spawning attempt. The eggs will be scattered around the tank and at this stage the parents should be removed to prevent them eating the eggs. When the fry are free swimming, they can be fed on Infusoria initially; as they grow this can be changed to newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

The expected life span of Gymnocorymbus thayeri is 3-5 years.

Short description

Try to keep Gymnocorymbus thayeri in a planted tank with the addition of wood or rocks to provide hiding places. They prefer soft, acidic water and, being classed as a peaceful species, will make a great addition to any community tank.

Picture

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.