Nannostomus sp. ‘Super Red Cenepa’

Appearance:

• The Nannostomus sp. ‘Super Red Cenepa’ is renowned for its striking coloration, showcasing deep red fins and body with contrasting horizontal stripes.
• This small, elongated fish typically grows to about 5-7 cm (2-3 inches), making it an ideal choice for smaller tanks or community setups.
• Its vibrant hues and graceful swimming patterns make it a beautiful addition to any aquarium.

Water Conditions:

• Temperature: Prefers a temperature range of 22-28°C (72-82°F).
• pH Level: Thrives in slightly acidic to neutral water, ideally between 6.0 and 7.5 pH.
• Hardness: Prefers soft to moderately hard water, with a hardness level of 2-12 dGH.
• Filtration: Requires gentle filtration to mimic its natural slow-moving river habitat. Avoid strong currents to ensure comfort.

Tank Setup:

• Size: A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is recommended for a small school.
• Aquascaping: Provide plenty of plants and hiding spots to create a comfortable environment. Floating plants can offer shade and security.
• Substrate: A soft substrate is ideal to prevent injury to their delicate fins while foraging.

Tank Mates:

• The Nannostomus sp. ‘Super Red Cenepa’ is a peaceful fish that does well in community tanks. It is best kept with:
  • Small, non-aggressive species such as tetras, rasboras, and small catfish.
  • Avoid larger or aggressive fish that may intimidate or harm them.
  • Keep them in schools of at least six to promote natural schooling behavior and reduce stress.

Feeding Habits:

• Omnivorous by nature, the ‘Super Red Cenepa’ requires a varied diet to thrive.
• A balanced diet should include:
  • Flake Foods: High-quality flakes specifically formulated for small fish.
  • Pellets: Small sinking pellets that can provide essential nutrients.
  • Live and Frozen Foods: Occasionally offer live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms to enhance color and health.
• Feed them small portions 1-2 times a day, ensuring they consume the food within a few minutes to prevent water contamination.

Care and Maintenance:

• Water Changes: Regular water changes (10-15% weekly) are essential to maintain water quality and remove toxins.
• Monitoring: Keep an eye on water parameters with regular testing kits to ensure optimal conditions for your fish.
• Behavior: Observe their behavior for signs of stress or illness, including changes in appetite or swimming patterns.
• Compatibility: Research tank mates thoroughly to ensure compatibility and avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species.

Breeding:

• Breeding Nannostomus sp. ‘Super Red Cenepa’ can be challenging but possible in well-maintained tanks.
• Create a separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops for egg laying.
• After spawning, remove the adults to prevent them from eating the eggs.