Cyprinidae: Paracheirodon Axelrodi

Friday 20 July 2012

Paracheirodon Axelrodi

A biotope setup would be very simple to arrange. Use a substrate of river sand and add a few driftwood branches (if you can’t find driftwood of the desired shape, common beech is safe to use if thoroughly dried and stripped of bark) and twisted roots. A few handfuls of dried leaves (again beech can be used, or oak leaves are also suitable) would complete the natural feel. Aquatic plants are not a feature of this species‘ natural waters. Allow the wood and leaves to stain the water the colour of weak tea, removing old leaves and replacing them every few weeks so they don’t rot and foul the water. A small net bag filled withaquarium-safe peat can be added to the filter to aid in the simulation of black water conditions. Fairly dim lighting should also be used. Under these conditions the true beauty of the fish will be revealed.