Hyphessobrycon cf. rodwayi

Hemigrammus rodwayi is a very peaceful fish and it does not compete well with more agressive or larger tankmates. In the biotope aquarium, it is best to keep them in a shoal of at least 6 specimens, but preferably 10 or more. As for other tankmates, Hemigrammus rodwayi is ideally kept with other South American species, such as other Hemigrammus or Hyphessobrycon species, pencil fish, Apistogramma dwarf cichlids, Corydoras and small Loricariids.

Adult females appear to have a more rounded belly than males. Males are usually shiner, too. The anal fin of the male has a white leading edge, which results more red coloured than that of the female.

Hemigrammus rodwayi is an omnivorous fish. In nature, they feed on aquatic insect larvae.

A small group of Hemigrammus rodwayi will need a tank of at least 70 litres. For a biotope correct set-up, a substrate of river sand, a few driftwood branches, and twisted roots are needed. There can be included dried leaves, but no aquatic plants, as these are not a feature of the habitats of this species. The wood and leaves will stain the water and make it tea-coloured. Old leaves should be removed and replaced regularly, in order to avoid them rotting. Another useful component is peat, which can be added to the filter in order to aid in the simulation of black water conditions. The tank should be dimly lighted.

This fish will accept a variety of foods. For the best condition and colours, Hemigrammus rodwayi should be fed with regular meals of small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia and brine shrimp, along with dried foods.

Hemigrammus rodwayi can be bred in an aquarium but it is best to set up a separate breeding tank. Since they are egg scatterers, they should be provided with a spawning mop or some clumps of fine leaves where they can lay their eggs. The breeding tank should have different water parametres: water with a pH of 5.5-6.5, a gH range of 1-5 and water temperature of about 26-29 °C.

These fish can be spawned in groups of 6 to 12, with equal numbers of males to females or in pairs. When spawning a single pair, a male and a “full” female should be transfered to the breeding tank. After the eggs have scattered, the pair should be removed from the tank. In 3-4 days the fry will be free swimming. The eggs and fry are very sensitive to light in the early stages of life; so, the tank should be kept in darkness, if possible.

The fry feed on infusoria-type food for the first few days, until they are large enough to accept microworm or brine shrimp nauplii.