Hemigrammus | Hemigrammus

Characins / Characinae / Hemigrammus

Profile: Hemigrammus
Hemigrammus
SIZE: The fish of the Hemigrammus genus are for the most part small-ranging from 1.2" (3 cm) to 3.5" (9 cm).
HAB: The majority of Hemigrammus fish are found in small creeks, streams, and brooks in the Amazon and Orinoco River watersheds.
S: The fish of this family usually swim in the mid-water levels.
TANK: Most of these fish can be kept in a small, 20" (50 cm) or 10 gallon (38 L) tank. The tank should be heavily planted with some open areas for free-swimming. The tank should be arranged in dark colors, and have the lighting diffused by a cover of floating plants.
WATER: These fish can tolerate a pH from 6-7.5, but prefer slightly acidic water. They like soft water ranging from 2-15 dH, and require a temperature of 72-82°F (22-28°C).
SB: Hemigrammus fish are usually peaceful, schooling fish that are easily maintained in a community tank with other schooling characins of a similar size.
SC: Small tetras, Corydoras, Loricarids, Apistogramma, Discus, Gouramis.
FOOD: Flake; live; insect larvae, Brine Shrimp, Tubifex.
B: The pair should be about a year in age for best spawning outcomes. Condition the pair (preferably each separated) several times a day on insect larvae. In most cases, these fish can be bred in a heavily-planted breeding tank with no artificial light (excessive light appears to be detrimental for the eggs and the fry). Introduce the pair into the tank which should have a slightly higher temperature, and soft water (peat filtration). The pair should spawn within three days of their introduction into the tank. If the pair does not spawn within three days, they are not ready, and the process should be repeated. In all cases, the parents will try to consume their eggs as they are laid. Thus, the parents should be removed right after spawning. After hatching the fry should be fed on small live foods (Infusoria, Brine Shrimp nauplii, roftiers, microorganisms) and crushed flake foods.
BP: Breeding difficulty depends entirely on the species. For some, such as the Buenos Aires Tetra, spawning comes easily; while others, such as the Rummy Nose Tetra, breeding is very difficult.
DC: Most of the fish of this genus are fairly hardy.