Xingu Tetra Care Guide
Moenkhausia xinguensis is a South American tetra from the Xingu River basin in Brazil, a peaceful schooling characid.
Overview
Moenkhausia xinguensis is a South American tetra native to the Xingu River basin in Brazil. It is a peaceful schooling characid that is less common in the aquarium trade. FishBase records a maximum length of 10.3 cm total length.
Taxonomy
- Family: Characidae
- Genus: Moenkhausia
- Scientific name: Moenkhausia xinguensis
Habitat
The species is restricted to the Xingu River in South America. FishBase describes it as a freshwater, benthopelagic fish of subtropical climate zones, reflecting the soft, often acidic blackwater conditions typical of Amazonian tributaries.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.0
- GH: 2-10 °dGH
- School size: 6 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 4-6 years
Diet
The species is an omnivore. FishBase reports a trophic level of about 3.4. In the aquarium it accepts a varied diet of dried, frozen and small live foods, in keeping with the feeding habits of similarly sized tetras.
Compatibility
The Xingu tetra is a peaceful schooling fish best kept in a group of at least six. It suits soft-water community aquariums alongside other calm species and should not be combined with aggressive tankmates.
Conservation status
According to FishBase, Moenkhausia xinguensis is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List (assessed 2018) and is considered harmless to humans.