Family: Crenuchidae
Distribution: Poecilocharax weitzmani, known also as Black Morpho Tetra, is a benthopelagic, Central American species distributed in the upper Negro, upper Solimoes, and the upper Orincoco River basins.
PH: 5 – 6.5
Temperature: 24°C – 28°C (75 – 82F)
Hardness: 3 – 6 dH
Description: Poecilocharax weitzmani can reach up to 4 cm in length; females are slightly smaller, have a plumper belly and are less colourful. It has a small, slender body with a black lateral line that extends from the gills to the caudal fin. The remainder of the body is a pale yellow-brown, somewhat iridescent colouration. Poecilocharax weitzmani has a life expectancy of 3 – 5 years.
Diet: The Black Morpho Tetra is mostly a carnivore, but can be fed a varied diet of flake, live-food and freeze-dried food. It has a particular affinity for brine shrimp and daphnia.
Breeding: Breeding Poecilocharax weitzmani is reportedly a difficult task in an aquarium environment. As such, there is little information available on breeding this species.
Comments: This shoaling species will require at least a 15 gallon tank. You should provide plenty of plants – floating plants as well as Javafern and Javamoss are recommended – and driftwood. Poecilocharax weitzmani must be kept in acidic water conditions and will thrive in a black water environment. This species is difficult to breed and is therefore recommended only to experienced hobbyists.
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species: The Black Morpho Tetra will live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, CorydorasCatfish (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platy and most Gourami(such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio (particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio) and also many Killifish make great tank mates.
Originally posted 2010-01-17 21:28:52. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
