Care
The Slender Hemiodus is known from the Amazon, Madeira, Negro, Orinoco, and Tapajas watersheds. Here, this torpedo-shaped, energetic shoaling species is found in highly oxygenated rivers and streams. The aquarium should be voluminous, even for smaller specimens, as they can swim at speed and require ample swimming space. Ideally, the aquarium should be sited in a quiet location where it does not receive a large amount of foot traffic going past all the time. These are very skittish fish that are easily startled, so they must be provided with many shady hiding spots within the aquarium and tight-fitting coverslides to prevent them from accidentally jumping out. Décor must be chosen with care as anything sharp can cause them injury whenever they decide to make a dash for cover; a sandy substrate with smooth pieces of driftwood and water-worn rocks is ideal. The aquarium should be planted with robust species (such as Anubias spp. and Java Fern) at the sides and back, leaving a generously-sized open swimming area in the centre. Some tough floating vegetation can also be grown over the calmer areas of the aquarium and will provide natural surface cover, which should help to reduce skittishness. When cleaning the aquarium, much care must be taken to ensure that the fish do not become too startled - keep hand movements slow etc. It is essential that the aquarium housing Slender Hemiodus is well-filtered via external canisters and very well-aerated, perhaps using additional powerheads and placing any spray-bar returns from filters just above the water line to create turbulence. These riverine fish will not cope with a build up of nitrogenous waste, so aim for high water quality at all times with partial water changes carried out on a very regular basis. Gregarious by nature, this species should always be kept in groups of 8 or more for their continued wellbeing. Tankmates should be of similar size and temperament - good companions could include large but fairly peaceable cichlids e.g. Geophagus or Satanoperca, Leporinus, Metynnis (silver dollars), mochokid, pimelodid and loricariid catfish. Do not house with any docile fish that may be easily intimidated by the fast-swimming behaviour of these fish, particularly at feeding time when they will be rather boisterous. May also be seen on sale as the Redtail Hemiodus.
Feeding
Flake, green flake, small slow-sinking pellets, frozen foods such as bloodworm, white mosquito larvae, Spirulina/vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, Mysis shrimp etc. Do remember to include a vegetable component to the diet for best long-term health.
Breeding
This species has not been bred in the home aquarium.
