Aphyocharax alburnus
Aphyocharax alburnus is naturally found in the waters of Argentina, Brazil and Paraca, South America. The fish stay in places with shallow water, in pools and wetlands densely overgrown with aquatic vegetation.
Male Aphyocharax alburnus has a slender body and is much more colourful than females. Their anal fin is hook-shaped. The body is silvery and shimmers bluish in the rays of reflected light. The tail is red. Sexual differences are poorly expressed. The females have a more rounded abdomen. Fish reach a size of 6-8 cm in aquarium conditions.
Afiocharax albourneus fish are peaceful, very fast. Keep fish should be a group of at least 6-8 individuals. For such a number of fish need an aquarium capacity of 80 liters. if the contained fish in a smaller number, they become too timid and will constantly hide in the thick of plants. In general, the design of the aquarium no great requirements. It is desirable to apply the soil of dark varieties, and the perimeter of the aquarium to plant a variety of plants, while leaving room for swimming fish.
Aphyocharax alburnus may be kept in a community tank together with other peace-loving fish of similar size and temperament.
Water parameters: temperature 20-28° C, hardness dH 8-18°, pH 6,5-7,5. These fish are very mobile and often, during games, jump out of the water, so the presence of an aquarium lid or cover glass is mandatory. They require filtration, aeration and a weekly change of ¼ of the aquarium water with fresh water.
The menus of fish in nature consist of various small insects and crustaceans. In an aquarium, they are fed with small bloodworms, artemia, flakes and pellets. Moreover, live food fish are not given more than 3 times a week. Feed the fish twice a day.
Reproduction
Breeding with Aphiocharax albourneus is generally not difficult. The fish spawn continuously in suitable keeping conditions, and sometimes you do not notice when it happens. To stimulate spawning, plant more broad-leaved plants in the aquarium. Females will literally jump out of the water during spawning, scattering eggs on the surface of the leaves.
The fish have no parental instincts, so to preserve the fry, the producers should be put away immediately after spawning or they will eat all their eggs.
The life span of the Aphyocharax alburnus in an aquarium is about 8-10 years.
