Family: Characidae
Distribution: Triportheus signatus is a benthopelagic freshwater species found in South America’s Parnaiba River basin and in some of Brazil’s north eastern coastal drainages.
PH: 6.0 – 7.5
Temperature: 24°C – 27C (75 – 81F)
Hardness: 1 – 18
Description: Triportheus signatus can reach a maximum length of about 16 cm. This deep-bodied species has a dark snout and 3 – 4 dark longitudinal stripes present on its dorsal-lateral portion. It also has an upturned mouth and nostrils that are very close together.
Diet: Triportheus signatus uses its upturned mouth to feed from the surface. It will eat flakes and insects, but it will probably also accept bloodworms, brine shrimp and mosquito larvae.
Breeding: Like so many members of its genus, there is not a great deal of information available on the breeding habits of Triportheus signatus. It appears it is yet to be bred in an aquarium environment.
Comments: Triportheus signatus should be housed in a tank at least 180 litres in volume or larger. You should have plenty of large, open swimming areas near the top of your tank. Do not add floating plants to your tank as they will simply be obstacles. Make sure you put in several hiding spaces in the form of driftwood, plants and rocks. This species appears to be quite rare within the aquarium hobby and is therefore recommended to those with experience.
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species: Triportheus signatus, much like Triportheus rotundatus, should probably be housed with peaceful, middle-bottom dwelling species.
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