布氏非洲裙鱼 · Firehead Tetra

Overview

Petitella bleheri, the firehead tetra, is a South American tetra with a red head and contrasting black-and-white tail markings. It is frequently sold as a rummy-nose tetra. Active swimming and close schooling call for a substantial group, while loss of condition can greatly reduce the red coloration.

Distribution & habitat

The species occurs in the Meta and Negro systems of Colombia and Brazil. It inhabits blackwater rivers and tributaries, where decomposing organic matter stains the water brown and natural conditions are strongly acidic.

Aquarium setup

Allow a tank length of at least about 90 cm for ten or more fish. Sand, driftwood, twisted roots, and dried leaves can create a shaded setting with lightly tinted water. Inspect and replace leaves periodically before excessive decay affects water quality. A well-maintained planted aquarium is also suitable.

Weekly partial water changes and consistent maintenance are essential. Alkaline water and other unfavorable conditions can reduce color, so fading should be assessed alongside water quality and the fish's general condition.

Diet & feeding

This omnivore accepts a broad menu, but its small mouth requires fine foods. Alternate flakes or small granules with appropriately sized live and frozen foods to maintain condition and color.

Behaviour & compatibility

It is very peaceful and competes poorly with large or boisterous companions. Gentle small tetras, pencilfishes, small catfishes, and suitable dwarf cichlids are possible choices. Maintain at least ten individuals, preferably more. Insufficient numbers compromise both well-being and the close schooling for which it is valued.

Sexual dimorphism

Mature females are noticeably rounder than males.

Breeding

For dedicated fry production, prepare a dim breeding aquarium with fine plants or mops for the adhesive eggs. Mesh can also separate eggs from the adults. A group of roughly six fish of each sex can be conditioned with live and frozen foods.

Alternatively, condition the sexes separately and select a full-bodied female and a strongly colored male. Spawning often takes place the morning after transfer to acidic breeding water. Remove the adults promptly once eggs appear, since they will eat them.

Eggs generally hatch in 24–36 hours, followed by free swimming three or four days later. Start with infusoria-sized foods, then offer microworms and Artemia nauplii. Eggs and young fry are light-sensitive, so retain very subdued lighting.

Notes

In healthy fish, red extends behind the gill covers onto the shoulder. This helps distinguish it from Petitella georgiae and Petitella rhodostoma, but fading can obscure the character. Also examine the lower caudal-peduncle blotch and the forward reach of the central black tail band. This species has the lower blotch, little forward extension of that band, and a clear anal fin.

A selectively bred golden form is also traded. Older literature commonly uses the name Hemigrammus bleheri for the species now placed in Petitella.