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| Arnoldichthys spilopterus (Niger Tetra or Red-eye Characin) |
| Family: |
Alestiidae |
| Maximum Size: |
3.8" (9.6cm) |
| Distribution: |
Lower Niger and Ogun rivers in Nigeria, West Africa |
| Temperature Range: |
73-82oF (23-28oC) |
| pH Range: |
6.0-8.0 |
| Water Hardness: |
5.0-19.0 dH |
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| A. spilopterus are beautiful fish that should be offered more frequently in the trade. They are characterized by two lateral bands, the upper one red or orange, and the lower blue-green. The upper half of eye is red, giving this species one of their common names, "Red-eye Characin". A stripe beginning on the caudal peduncle extends through the middle of the caudal fin to its margin. Males can be identified by their yellow (or orange) anal fin with five dark bands and a dark margin. Females have several dark spots on the anal fin. A. spilopterus normally feeds on worms, insects and crustaceans, and should be offered a similar diet in captivity, including blood worms and/or brine shrimp. There are conflicting reports about breeding success with this species. Generally, when successful, the female lays up to 1000 eggs, which hatch in approximately 30 hours. Courtship consists of very aggressive driving of the female by the male. |
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