Care
Found in streams and flooded forest habitats across a wide area of Amazonia, this fish favours an environment rich in leaf litter, waterlogged wood and overhanging vegetation. These are often blackwater creeks rich in organic acids.
The Sailfin tetra is an unusual species best maintained in a group of at least 6 specimens (10 or more is better). Although not tightly shoaling, it is a fish that will fare much better when in the company of its own kind. This will not only benefit the natural behaviour of the fish but will also create a far more effective display. Rival adult males can be a little territorial with one another at times, but no serious damage should occur, providing the tank offers sufficient space and is well-decorated with plenty of visual barriers/shady retreats amongst rocks, bogwood, and heavy planting. The tank must be mature and well-filtered, with a good level of oxygenation. Tankmates should be of a similar size and temperament. Do not keep with long-finned, tiny, or shy species.
Feeding
Omnivorous. Will take flake, micro granules, small frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, daphnia, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, and also some vegetable based foods.
Breeding
Males guard a nest where they undertake all the parental responsibilities. After a short period of courtship, the female lays her clutch on the roof of the cave, which may be the underside of a dead leaf, before the male ejects her and tends the eggs for 36-48 hours whilst they develop. The fry are free-swimming around 4-6 days later and are guarded until they disperse.
