Once more we were able to import a good number of beautiful Axelrodia riesei from Colombia. These tiny little fish – wild collected animals are sexually mature at a size of 1.5-2 cm, in aquaria they can reach a size up to 3 cm – fully deserve their popular name – they are brillant ruby red. The species is endemic in the upper Rio Meta region.
One should keep these fish in a one-species tank. If necessary, only small, peaceful species should be added as tankmates. Ruby tetras are not schooling fish, but should nevertheless be kept in groups, for they build up a hierarchy and this species-specific behaviour can not be lived out when congeneers are missing.
The beautiful ruby red coloration is in part differing individually – among a shipment of ruby red ones are also always some more yellowish specimens. In part it is also a consequence of the aquarium settlement. Ideally the tank for Ruby tetras is only slightly illuminated, has dark ground, many hiding places, the surface is covered with floating plants and the water has a deep brown-black colour due to alder“cones“ (female catkins of Alnus glutinosa). The water should be soft and acidic (less than 10°GH, pH between 4.5 and 6.5), the temperature can be between 20 and 26°C. Ruby tetras feed on any usual fishfood, but feeding them with Cyclops will intensify the red colours.
For our customers: the fish have code 209912 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply to the wholesale market.
Text & photo: Frank Schäfer
| Angaben zum Tier | |
|---|---|
| Herkunft | Kolumbien / Colombia |
| Verfügbare Größe in cm | 1-2 |
