Rainbow Tetra (Nematobrycon lacortei)
| Rainbow Tetra Nematobrycon lacortei | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Rainbow Tetra |
| Name Lat. | Nematobrycon lacortei |
| Family | Characins |
| Family lat. | Characidae |
| Order | Characins |
| Order lat. | Characiformes |
| Origin | Colombia |
| Habitat | Streams |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 5.0-7.2 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 4-6 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 3-4 cm |
| Temperature | 20-28 °C |
| Hardness | 1-10 °dH |
| Aquarium | 100 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 1.2"-1.6" |
| Temperature | 68-82 °F |
| Hardness | 18-178 ppm |
| Aquarium | 25 gal |
Distribution and habitat
Rainbow tetras are native to the Rio San Juan watershed in Colombia. They prefer to live in still water of slow flowing tributaries and streams with 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. 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 the wild they feed mainly on small insects and larvae. The diet consists of small live foods such as cyclops, daphnia, artemia and mosquito larvae, which are also well accepted frozen, plus commercially available frozen special food mixtures supplemented with freeze-dried food. High-quality, protein-rich dry food (flakes, granules, micro-pellets) is also accepted without problems.
A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance. Only as much should be fed as is eaten immediately (in a maximum of 10 minutes).
Behaviour and compatibility
They are lively fish that can be kept well in a community tank. Males will defend territories against conspecifics at least some of the time. At least 5, but preferably more rainbow tetras should be kept together, whereby the number of females should predominate.
Basically, only mutually compatible fish species with similar demands on water conditions and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The males are larger, more strongly colored and have a distinctly extended dorsal fin. The males have a red iris, in the females it is blue-green.
Reproduction and breeding
In soft, slightly acidic peat water they usually spawn between fine-feathered plants (free spawners). The larvae hatch after 24-36 hours and swim freely after 4-5 days.
Juveniles must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the spawn is easy prey.
Important
The rainbow tetra is occasionally confused with the emperor tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri). One distinguishing feature is the iris of the males. In the rainbow tetra male (Nematobrycon lacortei) the iris is red, in the emperor tetra male (Nematobrycon palmeri) it is blue
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels should be checked at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has 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: petdata
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF