Slender Tetra (Iguanodectes spilurus) Care Guide
Iguanodectes spilurus is an elongated South American tetra from Amazon and Orinoco tributaries, kept in soft-water groups.
Overview
Iguanodectes spilurus is a small, elongated characiform from northern South America. It is widely distributed across the Amazon, Orinoco, Essequibo and Tocantins river systems. The species has a slender silver body and a red-tipped lower caudal lobe. The largest recorded specimen measured about 10 cm.
Taxonomy
- Family: Characidae
- Genus: Iguanodectes
- Scientific name: Iguanodectes spilurus
- Note: FishBase currently places the genus in the family Iguanodectidae
Habitat
The species occurs in tributaries, smaller rivers, oxbows and flooded forests rather than main river channels. It is found both in transparent waters over sandy substrate and in blackwater and floodplain-lake environments. FishBase also records it from fast-flowing creeks.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L (26 gal)
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.0
- GH: 1-10 °dGH
- School size: at least 6 individuals (8-10 recommended)
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
Diet
Iguanodectes spilurus is omnivorous. In the wild it feeds on small invertebrates and algae. In the aquarium it accepts a varied menu of dried foods alongside live and frozen items such as bloodworm, mosquito larvae, Daphnia and Moina.
Compatibility
This is a peaceful, mid-water schooling species suited to community aquariums. It should be kept in a mixed-sex group of at least eight to ten alongside other peaceful schooling fish, which encourages natural behavior and reduces stress.
Breeding
The species is an egg-scatterer. Nuptial males develop hooks and lappets on the anterior anal-fin rays, a feature used to distinguish breeding condition.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2020). It is used in both local fisheries and the aquarium trade and has low fishing vulnerability.