Hemigrammus levis

Overview

From slow Amazonian waters and floodplain habitats, Hemigrammus levis is a peaceful tetra that benefits from company of its own kind. It sometimes arrives mixed with other imported fishes. A quiet group setup suits it better than competition with large or forceful feeders.

Distribution & habitat

It is native to the Brazilian Amazon, using slow river channels, tributaries, and floodplain lakes.

Aquarium setup

Use sand with wood, branches, and roots for shelter. A little dried leaf litter can lightly tint the water; replace excessively decomposed leaves to prevent fouling. Subdued light suits either an unplanted natural-style layout or a well-maintained planted aquarium. Fish offered for sale are likely wild-caught.

Diet & feeding

Small invertebrates form the main natural diet. Captive fish are generally easy to feed on fine flakes or granules supplemented with suitably small live and frozen foods.

Behaviour & compatibility

Maintain at least six, ideally ten or more, for a more settled group. Choose similar-sized peaceful tetras, pencilfishes, small catfish, or suitable dwarf cichlids. Avoid boisterous larger fishes; other gentle small companions must also share its water requirements.

Sexual dimorphism

Adult females tend to be noticeably rounder-bodied than males.

Breeding

Captive breeding is unreported. Related-tetra techniques provide a possible experiment: a dim separate aquarium with fine plants or mops, egg-separating mesh, and gentle sponge filtration, combined with small live foods for conditioning. Groups or separately conditioned pairs may be tried.

If eggs appear, remove adults and prepare infusoria-sized first foods, later progressing to microworms and Artemia nauplii. Protection from adults and bright light comes from the related-species method, while incubation timing remains unconfirmed here.