Aphyocharax nattereri
Aphyocharax nattereri was described in 1882 by Steindachner. They are still regularly offered under their old name Aphyoharax paraguayensis, which has now become a synonym. They are also known by their common names Dawn Tetra and White Spot Tetra.
Biotope
Southern Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay.
Minimum Aquarium Size
60 cm would be enough, but because of their behavior, 80 cm is better.
A tank of at least 40 centimeters deep is also definitely recommended.
Length
About 4/5 cm.
Aquarium setup and behaviour
Provide plenty of hiding places on the surface, floating plants, overhanging plants etc.
It can also be useful to provide some visibility barriers so that the fish cannot see each other all the time!
A dark tank (by means of floating plants and some brown-colored water for example) is important for the fish to feel good. They will not color up well in a too brightly lit tank.
They are brats among themselves, they constantly challenge each other and each have their own area.
New residents are not always welcomed in a friendly manner either. In my tank, this was over after a day.
Challenges aside, they are not overly active fish, they swim in the middle and top of the tank.
I had understood through other forums that the animals fester enormously to fellow residents, that behavior is most likely the result of too high a water temperature! So only keep them in a sub-tropical aquarium with lower temperatures.
Diet
They will accept all food but prefer live or frozen food.
They love flies and mosquitoes, which can cause problems with open tanks.
Video
Author
René
Copyright images
F. Ingemann Hansen – Akvariefotografen.com
Michael Negrini – Pisciculture d’Estalens (originele website niet meer online)