尖头斑马鱼

Overview

An active but peaceful small shoaling fish, Devario acuticephala is only occasionally available. Clean, biologically established water, ample oxygen and a secure cover are central to its care.

Distribution & habitat

It is known from Manipur and neighboring Nagaland in northeastern India, including tributaries of the Manipur River and the Dikhu watershed. Small rocky hill streams are its probable habitat, with marginal vegetation and flow that may change seasonally.

Aquarium setup

A stream layout can combine sand, gravel, rounded stones and a few larger rocks with wood and tough attached plants. Maintain very low organic pollution and replace approximately a third to half of the water weekly. Moderate circulation with good oxygenation is preferable to extreme current. Ensure that the lid closes tightly, since jumping is a real risk.

Relatively cool conditions suit it. During warmer periods, increase aeration and adjust feeding to the fish's greater activity and metabolism.

Diet & feeding

Insects and their larvae are considered the most likely wild prey. Captive fish generally accept prepared foods readily. Add regular small live or frozen meals to a quality dry-food base.

Behaviour & compatibility

Other small, mild-tempered cyprinids are appropriate companions. Suitable small loaches, catfishes, gobies or freshwater shrimp may also be considered where their environmental needs agree. Eight to ten conspecifics form a more secure and natural-looking group, with males displaying stronger colors during competition for females.

Sexual dimorphism

Mature females are expected to be slightly larger, paler and fuller in the abdomen.

Breeding

General methods for related egg-scattering devarios offer a starting point. Use a dim separate tank with mature water, gentle aeration and mesh, marbles, fine plants or mops protecting eggs. Introduce well-conditioned pairs; spawning may follow within a day. Remove adults after about two days even if spawning was not seen, limiting opportunities for egg predation. Tiny starter foods such as paramecia precede microworms, brine-shrimp nauplii and finely powdered food. Developmental timing varies with temperature.

Notes

The ending acuticephalus appears in some names, and older accounts may use other genera. Name differences and confusion with similar fishes deserve attention when checking an identification.