Key Features:

Distinctive Appearance:
A striking freshwater fish known for its slender body, silver-gold coloration, and vivid red-orange tail. The contrast between its metallic body and bright red fins gives it an attractive appearance, especially when active in a well-lit aquarium.

Graceful Swimmer:
Displays energetic and agile swimming behavior, often exploring rocks, driftwood, and open areas of the aquarium. It is an active grazer that uses its specialized mouth to cling to surfaces while feeding on algae and biofilm.

Behavior:
Active, hardy, and curious, with a lively personality. Generally peaceful but can become mildly territorial toward its own kind or similarly shaped bottom-dwelling fish, especially in smaller aquariums. Providing enough space and hiding areas helps reduce competition.

Care Requirements:

Tank Conditions:

Requires a well-oxygenated aquarium with strong filtration, good water movement, and plenty of surfaces such as rocks, driftwood, and plants for grazing. Ideal water temperature is 72–79°F (22–26°C), with a pH of 6.5–7.8 preferred. Clean, stable water conditions and adequate swimming space are essential for maintaining health and activity.

Diet:

Omnivorous. Thrives on a varied diet including algae wafers, spirulina-based foods, sinking pellets, blanched vegetables, and occasional frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp. A diet rich in plant matter helps maintain healthy growth and natural grazing behavior.

Compatibility:

Generally peaceful and suitable for community aquariums with active but non-aggressive fish. Best kept with species such as danios, barbs, rasboras, tetras, and other peaceful river fish. Avoid aggressive species or overly territorial bottom dwellers that may compete for space.

Size and Growth:

Adult Size:

Typically reaches 10–15 cm (4–6 inches), although juveniles are commonly sold at 3–4 cm.

Growth:

Grows steadily under optimal conditions, with juveniles developing gradually as they receive proper nutrition and clean, oxygen-rich water. A varied diet and spacious environment help enhance coloration and maintain strong body condition.