Aphiocharax Rathbuna

Aphiocharax Rathbuna, scientific name Aphyocharax rathbuni, belongs to the Characidae family (Characinidae). A miniature mobile fish, easy to keep and breed, able to get along with many other freshwater species. Considered a good choice for the beginner aquarist.

Habitat

It comes from South America from the basins of the Paraguay, Parana and Uruguay rivers on the territory of the states of the same name, as well as the south of Brazil and the north of Argentina. Inhabits small streams and rivers, swimming in the shade of overhanging and aquatic vegetation.

Brief information:

• The volume of the aquarium – from 40 liters.
• Temperature – 20-26°C
• Value pH — 6.5–7.5
• Water hardness – 2–21 dGH
• Substrate type – any
• Lighting – subdued
• Brackish water – no
• Water movement is weak
• The size of the fish is 3–4 cm.
• Food – any food
• Temperament – peaceful
• Keeping in a group of 6-8 individuals

Description

Adult individuals reach a length of 3–4 cm. Sexual dimorphism is weakly expressed, external differences between male and female are insignificant. Young fish are silvery in color with a reddish lower part of the caudal peduncle. With age, yellow or gold hues begin to appear, the translucent anal and dorsal fin turn red, and white marks appear on the remaining fins.

Food

An omnivorous species, it accepts various foods intended for aquarium fish. The daily diet may include dry flakes, granules combined with brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, live or frozen.

Maintenance and care, arrangement of the aquarium

The optimal size of the aquarium for a flock of 6-8 fish starts from 40-50 liters. In the design, it is recommended to use a sandy substrate and dense thickets of aquatic plants, located in such a way as to leave free areas for swimming.

It is easy to maintain, not demanding on the hydrochemical composition of water, able to adapt to a wide range of pH and dGH values. However, such unpretentiousness does not reduce the requirements for water quality. The accumulation of organic wastes that can lead to an increase in dangerous concentrations of nitrogen cycle products (ammonia, nitrites, nitrates) should not be allowed. Biological balance is largely achieved due to the regular maintenance of the aquarium and the smooth operation of the main equipment, in particular the filtration system.

Behavior and Compatibility

Peaceful mobile fish, prefers to be in a flock of at least 6-8 individuals. Compatible with other non-aggressive species of comparable size. Perhaps the excessive activity of Afiocharax Rathbun may be excessive for some fish, so the choice of tankmates should be treated with caution.

Breeding / breeding

Favorable conditions for spawning are achieved in slightly acid soft water. Fish scatter eggs among plants, sticky threads allow them to stay on their surface. One female can produce up to 500 eggs. The incubation period lasts 2-3 days, within a week they begin to swim freely. Parental instincts are not developed, the fish do not care about their offspring, and on occasion they will definitely eat it. If breeding is planned, then the eggs or fry that have appeared should be transplanted into a separate tank with identical water conditions.

Fish diseases

Hardy and unpretentious fish. If kept in suitable conditions, then health problems do not arise. Diseases occur in case of injury, contact with already sick fish or significant deterioration of the habitat (dirty aquarium, poor food, etc.). Read more about symptoms and treatments in the Aquarium Fish Diseases section.