Crystal Rainbow Tetra (Trochilocharax ornatus)
| Crystal Rainbow Tetra Trochilocharax ornatus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Crystal Rainbow Tetra |
| Name Lat. | Trochilocharax ornatus |
| Family | Characins |
| Family lat. | Characidae |
| Order | Characins |
| Order lat. | Characiformes |
| Origin | Peru |
| Habitat | Streams |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 6.0-7.0 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | Difficult |
| Life Span | N/A |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 2 cm |
| Temperature | 22-26 °C |
| Hardness | 1-15 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 50 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 0.8" |
| Temperature | 72-79 °F |
| Hardness | 18-267 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 15 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The hummingbird tetras originate from the catchment area of the Rio Nanay in Peru. They mostly live in forest streams and small tributaries with dense underwater vegetation as well as tree roots and branches protruding into the water
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a varied, partly dense planting, with shelters and hiding places (roots) and provide sufficient swimming space. Soft, slightly acidic water, a dark substrate covered with some foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves), shaded light (floating plants) and a weak current is ideal.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
In nature they feed mainly on small insects, insect larvae and plankton. The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high-quality, protein-rich dry food (flakes, granules, pellets) as well as cyclops, moina, daphnia, artemia, mosquito larvae and plankton (live or frozen)
It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day. Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
These swim-joyful swarm fish can be maintained very well with other small and peaceful fish as well as with shrimps in a society tank. They should be kept in a group of at least 5-10 fish.
Basically, only mutually compatible fish species with similar requirements for water conditions and water temperature may be socialized
Sex dimorphism
The sexes are difficult to distinguish. The more intensely colored male has a flag-like elongated dorsal fin and is more slender.
Reproduction and breeding
There are only isolated reports about breeding in the aquarium. They are free spawners. In soft, slightly acidic peat water they usually spawn between fine-feathered plants. The parents do not perform brood care and should be separated from the fry after spawning, as they are spawn predators.
Juveniles must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii, dust food). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the spawn is easy prey.
Important
The foliage (sea almond tree, oak, etc.) enriches the water with humic substances, naturally lowers the pH and, when rotting, promotes the development of microorganisms, which are a valuable secondary food source.
The well-being of the fish should be monitored regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: petdata; Image: Merz Zierfischgroßhandel
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF