Moema piriana

Moema piriana, scientific name Moema piriana, belongs to the family Rivulines (Rivulovye). Beautiful annual fish from South America. In nature, it is found everywhere in the vast expanses of the Amazon Basin in Brazil.

In its natural habitat, Moema piriana lives in temporary reservoirs, which are small puddles or drying lakes in the depths of tropical forests. Water bodies form during the rainy season and dry up during the dry season. Thus, the life expectancy of these fish is only a few months to six months.

Description

Adult fish grow up to 12 cm. They have an elongated slender body with large dorsal, anal and caudal fins. The coloration is silvery with a blue tint and numerous burgundy specks forming horizontal rows. The dorsal fin and tail are red with dark spots. The anal fin is blue with similar spots.

Sexual dimorphism is weakly expressed. Males and females are practically indistinguishable.

As noted above, Moema Piriana lives as long as there is still a temporary reservoir. However, in an aquarium, she is able to live up to 1,5 years. In this case, the fish continues to grow and can grow up to 16 cm.

Brief information:

• The volume of the aquarium – from 100 liters.
• Temperature – 24-32°C
• Value pH — 6.0–7.2
• Water hardness – soft or medium hard (4-16 GH)
• Substrate type – dark soft
• Lighting – subdued
• Brackish water – no
• Water movement – little or no
• The size of the fish is about 12 cm.
• Food – live or frozen food
• Temperament – peaceful
• Content in a couple or in a group
• Lifespan up to 1.5 years

Keeping in an aquarium

Moema pyriana is rarely found in aquariums outside of its natural range. As a rule, it becomes an object of trade among enthusiasts of the South American continent and is rarely delivered to Europe.

Keeping in an aquarium is quite difficult. Optimal living conditions are within a narrow range of temperature, pH and GH parameters. Deviations of water parameters in one direction or another affect the development of the fish.

An additional difficulty in keeping is the need for live or frozen food. Dry food will not be able to become an alternative to fresh foods rich in protein.

The design of the aquarium is optional. However, the most natural fish will feel in a shallow tank with a thick layer of soft dark soil, reminiscent of peat, covered with a layer of leaves and twigs. The lighting is subdued. Aquatic plants are not required, but it is acceptable to use unpretentious species floating on the surface.

Behavior and Compatibility

A species aquarium is recommended, which can also potentially be used for breeding. The fish get along well with each other. Sharing with other calm species is acceptable.

Breeding and reproduction

Moema piriana reaches puberty by 3-4 months. For reproduction, the fish need a soft substrate where the eggs will be deposited. The subsequent stage of development of eggs should take place in a dry substrate. The soil is removed from the water and dried, then placed in a container and left in a dark place for 4-5 months. This procedure is analogous to the dry season in the natural habitat, when water bodies dry up and eggs remain in the soil layer in anticipation of rains.

After the specified time, the substrate with caviar is placed in water. After a short time, fry appear.

It should be noted that “dry” incubation can last up to 8 months without harm to the health of the eggs.

Sources: FishBase