All fish / Lebiasinidae

Rachow's Pyrrhulina

Pyrrhulina australis

Also known as rachow's pyrrhulina, rachovi pyrrhulina, fanning characin, pyrrhulina rachovi, rachoviana pyrrhulina, dotted pyrrhulina, ピルフィナ・ラコビアナ, 拉氏丝鳍脂鲤

A small, slender characin with a dark stripe running from the snout through the eye, a spot on the dorsal fin and reddish fins in males. It is kept for its calm nature and interesting behaviour in planted, softly lit tanks, and tolerates cooler water than most tropical fish.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

4.5 cm

Temperature

18 to 26 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more

Diet

Carnivore: small live and frozen foods such as daphnia, bloodworm and brine shrimp, plus quality flakes

Swims

Top of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Lower Paraná, Paraguay and Uruguay river basins (Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, Uruguay)

Breeding

Males clean a broad leaf or flat stone and the pair lays eggs on it, after which the male guards and fans the eggs until they hatch in a day or two. Breeding is fairly achievable in a dedicated, densely planted tank with soft water.

Good to know

Long sold as Pyrrhulina rachoviana, which is now treated as a synonym of Pyrrhulina australis. Males can squabble over territory, and the fish may jump, so keep a tight lid.