Paraguay Bloodfin (Aphyocharax paraguayensis) Care Guide
Aphyocharax paraguayensis is a small, active South American tetra, also known as the dawn tetra, from streams of the Amazon and Paraguay river basins.
Overview
Aphyocharax paraguayensis is a small, active characin from South America, also known as the dawn tetra. It is a silvery fish with red-tipped fins. FishBase treats Aphyocharax paraguayensis as a synonym of Aphyocharax nattereri, under which most biological data is recorded.
Taxonomy
- Family: Characidae
- Genus: Aphyocharax
- Scientific name: Aphyocharax paraguayensis
- Senior synonym: Aphyocharax nattereri
Habitat
Under the name Aphyocharax nattereri, FishBase records the species from the Amazon and Paraguay River basins. Seriously Fish lists southern Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay, in streams, rivers and tributaries that are usually shaded by floating or overhanging vegetation.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 22-26 °C (72-79 °F)
- pH: 6.5-8.0
- GH: 5-15 °dGH
- School size: 6 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
Diet
The species is omnivorous. According to Seriously Fish it is unfussy and accepts most dried, frozen and live foods.
Compatibility
Seriously Fish describes it as a shoaling species that should be kept in groups of at least six. It is generally peaceful but may nip at long-finned or slow-moving tankmates, and its constant activity can disturb sedentary species.
Breeding
The species is an egg-scatterer. Seriously Fish reports that breeding requires soft, acidic water (pH 5.5-6.0, GH 2-5°), with eggs hatching in about 24 hours; fry first need infusoria-type foods, progressing to microworms and brine shrimp. The species is described as quite fecund, capable of producing several hundred fry.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 4 March 2021), as reported by FishBase for Aphyocharax nattereri.