Levis Tetra Care Guide
Hemigrammus levis is a small translucent characin from the Amazon basin, suited to peaceful planted community aquariums in groups.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Hemigrammus levis is a small, slim, translucent characin. The species was described by Durbin in 1908 and is used in the ornamental aquarium trade. It is a hardy schooling fish best kept in groups.
Taxonomy
- Family: Characidae
- Genus: Hemigrammus
- Scientific name: Hemigrammus levis Durbin, 1908
Habitat
According to FishBase, Hemigrammus levis occurs in the Amazon River basin of South America, where it is a freshwater, benthopelagic species living in tropical conditions.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L (about 16 gal)
- Temperature: 22-27 °C (72-81 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- School size: 6 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- Water flow: low
Diet
This tetra is an omnivore. In aquaria it accepts small prepared foods such as flakes and micro-pellets, supplemented with live or frozen foods, fed in small amounts twice daily.
Compatibility
Hemigrammus levis is a peaceful, mid-water schooling fish well suited to community aquariums. It should be kept in a group of at least six and is compatible with other calm species such as Corydoras and hatchetfish; aggressive tank mates should be avoided.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed in 2021 (FishBase).
Levis Tetra (Hemigrammus levis) Breeding Guide
Overview
Hemigrammus levis is a small egg-scattering tetra from the Amazon River basin, reaching about 5-6 cm. Specific captive-breeding accounts are limited, but the species is reported to spawn in the same manner as other Hemigrammus: a non-guarding egg-scatterer requiring soft, slightly acidic water. Adults show no parental care and readily consume their own eggs.
Sexing
Adult females are noticeably rounder in the body than males, particularly when carrying eggs.
Conditioning
Condition the group on plenty of small live foods. Fish can be spawned in a group of around six of each sex or in selected pairs once the females are full of eggs.
Breeding Setup
- Spawning tank around 18 x 10 x 10 inches, kept very dimly lit.
- Slightly soft, acidic water: pH 6.5-7.0 and hardness around 1-10 gH.
- Temperature approximately 27-29 C (80-84 F), within the species range of 24-28 C.
- Clumps of fine-leaved plants such as java moss or spawning mops, or a mesh base allowing eggs to fall through.
- Gentle aeration from a sponge filter.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Eggs are scattered among fine-leaved plants or fall through a mesh base out of the adults' reach. Soft acidic water and dim light encourage spawning. Remove the adults immediately once eggs are detected, as they will eat them.
Egg & Fry Care
Eggs hatch in 24-36 hours and the fry are free-swimming roughly 3-4 days later. Eggs and fry are light sensitive in the early stages, so keep the tank dark where possible. Begin feeding with infusoria-type foods, progressing to microworm or brine shrimp nauplii.