Family: Hemidontidae
Distribution: The Barred Hemiodus favours the River basins of the Negro, Trombetas, Araguari, Nicherie, Coppename and Oyapock. It likes the quick-moving waters found in rapids.
PH: 5.8 – 7.2 pH
Temperature: 23 – 27°C (73 – 81°F)
Hardness: 5 – 8 dH
Description: Larger than many found in this region, Hemiodus quadrimaculatus reaches a length of just over 13cm. It sports three thick, dark stripes vertically down its body.
Hemiodus quadrimaculatus is rare in the hobby and therefore information is scarce. Data such as sexual dimorphia, colour, and social habits is therefore unknown.
Diet: The Barred Hemiodus is an omnivore and will happily feed on frozen and live foods, as well as flakes and pellets.
Breeding: The Hemiodus species are egg spawners. It is reported that Hemiodus quadrimaculatus has never been bred in captivity.
Comments: Set up a biotope aquarium for your Hemiodus sterni. Use a very large tank (due to its size), a few inches of sand as substrate, and driftwood branches and twisted roots to mimic the natural environment. Also include floating vegetation to enable some dimming of the lights.
It may also feel comfortable in a densely-planted tank of clearwater. It requires well-oxygenated water and a tightly-fitted cover.
Due to the rarity of not only this sub-species of Hemiodus, but of the entire family, there is very limited information available. General information pertaining to the Hemidontidae family has been included.
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species: They should live happily with other Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They also should be good 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 Gouramiand Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also should live happily with most Danio (particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio) and also many Killifish could make great tank mates.
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