Piabuco tetra - Piabucus dentatus

Scientific name: Piabucus dentatus

Common name: Piabuco tetra

Family: Iguanodectidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 12 - 18 cm (4.72 - 7.09 inch)

014

Recommended pH range for the species: 6.4 - 7.3

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 6 - 20°N (107.14 - 357.14ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 21 - 25 °C (69.8 - 77°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

The Piabuco Tetra (Piabucus dentatus) is an omnivorous species that thrives on a varied diet. While a high-quality flake food or small pellets can be used as the staple of their diet, it’s essential to offer additional live or frozen foods twice a week. Ideal choices include bloodworms, brine shrimp, and other small meaty foods. They are also beneficial to the tank environment by consuming hair algae present in the aquarium, helping to maintain a clean and healthy ecosystem.

Origin

The Piabuco Tetra is native to South America, specifically found in the rivers and streams of Brazil, Venezuela, Guyana, and Suriname. These fish are commonly found in calm, slow-moving waters with dense aquatic vegetation, where they can thrive and hide from predators.

Sexing

Sexing Piabucus dentatus can be difficult, but it is generally believed that females have a plumper body shape compared to the males. Males tend to have a more slender and streamlined appearance.

Breeding

Currently, there are no reported cases of successful breeding of the Piabuco Tetra in home aquariums. In the wild, they are egg scatterers, meaning the female lays her eggs, and they fall into the natural substrate, where they hatch. To encourage breeding in an aquarium setting, providing a separate breeding tank with soft, fine-gravel substrate and ensuring optimal water conditions, including temperature and pH, might improve the chances of successful spawning.

Lifespan

With proper care, the Piabuco Tetra has a lifespan of 3 to 5 years. Maintaining stable water conditions, a balanced diet, and appropriate tank mates will help ensure they live a long and healthy life.

Short Description

The Piabuco Tetra (Piabucus dentatus) is a peaceful species, well-suited for community aquariums. This mid-to-top level swimmer requires well-oxygenated water and performs best when kept in small groups of at least 6 fish. Although they are generally peaceful, it is advisable to keep them with similarly sized fish, as they may become stressed by larger, more aggressive tankmates. While Piabuco Tetras do well in a planted tank, they may occasionally nibble on the leaves, especially in a more stressed environment.

They are excellent additions to peaceful community tanks, where they add movement and color to the upper regions of the aquarium. However, as with all species, be sure to provide hiding spaces to reduce stress and give them places to feel secure, especially during rest periods.

Tankmates for Piabuco Tetra (Piabucus dentatus)

The peaceful nature of the Piabuco Tetra makes it an ideal candidate for a community aquarium. However, it is important to choose tankmates that are similarly peaceful and not overly aggressive. Here are some compatible tankmates:

Peaceful Tetras: Black Skirt Tetra, Serpae Tetra, and Rummy Nose Tetra are excellent choices for a peaceful community tank.
Small Catfish: Oto Catfish and Corydoras species are perfect for maintaining a clean tank while coexisting peacefully with Piabuco Tetras.
Small Livebearers: Guppies, Endlers Livebearers, and Molly Fish can also be kept with Piabuco Tetras due to their similar peaceful behavior.

Avoid placing Piabuco Tetras with large, aggressive fish, such as Oscars or Jaguar Cichlids, as these may stress or harm the smaller tetras.

Suitable Plants for Piabuco Tetra Tanks

The Piabuco Tetra thrives in an environment with plenty of plants and hiding spots. Here are some plants that complement their needs while enhancing the aquascape:

Anubias barteri nana: A hardy and easy-to-grow plant that provides both cover and aesthetic appeal, especially in shaded areas of the tank.
Cryptocoryne wendtii: This versatile and attractive plant works well in the background or midground of the tank. It provides shelter for Piabuco Tetras and encourages natural behavior.
Java Moss: A low-maintenance plant that can be used to cover rocks or driftwood, offering additional hiding spaces for Piabuco Tetras, especially during breeding periods.
Vallisneria: Known for its long, flowing leaves, Vallisneria can create a natural, lush backdrop while providing spaces for Piabuco Tetras to hide and explore.
Marimo Moss Balls: These spherical algae are not only decorative but also offer hiding spots and help maintain water quality by absorbing excess nutrients.

These plants not only beautify the tank but also help create a more comfortable environment for Piabuco Tetras, offering both shelter and natural filtration benefits.

Additional Care Tips for Piabuco Tetra

To ensure your Piabuco Tetra thrives, keep these care tips in mind:

Water Quality: Maintain a stable water temperature between 21°C (69.8°F) and 25°C (77°F) and a pH range of 6.4 to 7.3. Regular water changes are essential to keep water quality high and remove any toxins.
Tank Size: Piabuco Tetras are relatively active swimmers, so ensure the aquarium is at least 20 gallons (approximately 75.7 liters) in size to give them ample space to move.
Avoid Strong Currents: These fish prefer calm waters, so avoid strong currents that may cause stress. A gentle filtration system is ideal.

By following these care guidelines and creating a suitable environment, your Piabuco Tetra will thrive in your aquarium, providing you with a peaceful and colorful addition to your aquatic community.