Family: Hemidontidae
Distribution: The Striped Hemiodus comes from the Northern section of South America, particularly the upper Juruena River basin (Brazil) and Parana-Paraguay basin.
PH: 5.8 – 7.2 pH
Temperature: 23 – 27°C (73 – 81°F)
Hardness: 5 – 8 dH
Description: The Hemiodus sterni will reach a length of almost 8cm. It has an elongated, slim body which allows it to dart around the tank quickly. They are also jumpers.
Hemiodus sterni is rare in the hobby and therefore information is scarce. Data such as sexual dimorphia, colour, and social habits is therefore unknown.
Diet: The Striped Hemiodus is an easy fish to feed and will accept flakes, pellets, live and frozen foods. It is also recommended to include vegetable matter within its diet as it apparently relies on such food in the wild.
Breeding: The Hemiodus species are egg spawners. It is reported that Hemiodus sterni 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.
Hemiodus sterni is sensitive to water conditions.
Due to the sensitivity of the Striped Hemiodus to water conditions, and the difficulty in breeding it, this is not recommended for beginners.
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species: It is unknown what species Hemiodus sterni will feel most comfortable with, if any. 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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