All fish / Lebiasinidae

Half-banded Pyrrhulina

Pyrrhulina laeta

Also known as half banded pyrrhulina, halfbanded pyrrhulina, pyrrhulina, banded pyrrhulina, pyrrhulina brevis, laeta pyrrhulina, ピルルリナ・ラエタ, 半带红鳍鱼

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A slim, pike-like characin with a light brown back, pale belly and a dark line running from the snout through the eye, often with a dark spot on the dorsal fin. It is kept for its calm nature and interesting surface-hunting behaviour in planted, softly lit blackwater-style tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

7 cm

Temperature

23 to 28 °C

pH

5.5 to 7

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more

Diet

Carnivore: small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, daphnia and brine shrimp, plus quality flakes and insects taken from the surface

Swims

Top of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Amazon and Orinoco basins and the Guianas (Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname)

Breeding

Pairs spawn on broad leaves or a cleaned flat surface, and the male guards the eggs and fans them until they hatch. It has been bred in home aquariums with soft, acidic water, though it is not routine.

Good to know

It is a skilled jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential. Males may squabble mildly over territory, and very small fish or fry may be eaten.