Family: Characidae
Distribution: Hemigrammus bellottii can be found in the rivers and tributaries of Solimoes, Negro and Maroni basins in Brazil and French Guiana, South America.
PH: 6.0 – 7.0 pH
Temperature: 23 – 27 °C (73 – 81 °F)
Hardness: 2 – 10 dH
Description: Keep Hemigrammus bellottii is shoals of at least 6, preferably ten or more. They will not do well alone. They are extremely peaceful fish that will reach a length of only 4cm and will not fight larger specimens.
Due to their scarcity within the hobby, colouration is unknown. It is stated that the mature males are slimmer and smaller than adult females.
Diet: Hemigrammus bellottii enjoys an omnivorous diet of flakes and live foods such as brine shrimp.
Breeding: Breeding reports are uncommon; however it is believed that a methodology similar to other Hemigrammus species will be suitable. Use a separate well-planted tank that is very dimly lit (use side vegetation and floating plants, and keep the tank out of direct sunlight); also include slight filtration (air-powered sponge filter, for instance) and rainwater may encourage highly productivity.
Hemigrammus bellottii will spawn into java moss or spawning mops, which need to removed immediately after the eggs have been laid as the parents will eat them. The eggs will hatch within 2 days, and the fry will be swimming around 3-4 days later. They can be fed on infusoria for the first couple of days, after which they will be large enough to eat microworm or baby brine.
The eggs and fry are extremely sensitive to light and therefore need to be kept in as much darkness as possible.
Comments: This fish is rare within the hobby and therefore not a lot is known about it. For this reason, generally information pertaining to the Hemigrammus species has been included.
Due to the rarity and difficulty of breeding, it is not recommended for beginners.
It is best to keep a ratio of one male to two females so they the latter are not pursued too often.
They require a large tank (at least 70L) to provide them the space they need to swim around.
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.
Originally posted 2010-04-17 21:59:21. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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