Profile Photo
Maximum size : 5 cm
Arowana Tetra - Gnathocharax steindachneri : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
It's not the most impressive-looking Tetra in the world, but hobbyists who love oddball fish will still enjoy the Arowana Tetra (Gnathocharax steindachneri). These Tetras are peaceful, lively schooling fish that enjoy swimming with conspecifics in the upper third of the water column. It is possible to keep Arowana Tetras in a community aquarium with non-predatory fish of similar size and temperament to avoid stress and reduce the fish's restlessness. Dwarf Cichlids, Plecos, Corydoras Catfish, and similarly sized Tetras would be ideal tankmates. There should be plenty of free swimming space in the middle of the aquarium, while the edges and background should be densely planted. The colours are better viewed on a dark bottom with dim lighting and floating plants. Adding driftwood branches and roots to the aquarium is also appreciated, as it allows these fish somewhere to retreat if they feel threatened in any way. A decent amount of surface current is also necessary, and you will need to have a tight-fitting lid on the aquarium since these Tetras are good jumpers. Arowana Tetras have slender and compressed bodies on the sides. Their heads are placed in a central position and are well defined. Their mouths are very large, turned upwards, and equipped with sharp and protruding teeth on both jaws. In addition, they have silvery bodies with greeny-turquoise iridescence. These fish also have a black blotch on the base of their caudal fin with a slight red marking on either side and a red crescent marking on their eyes. All their other fins are transparent except for a few small black dots.Arowana Tetra Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Sexual dimorphism is unknown. However, females will only gain a dark spot in the abdomen during the pre-spawning period.Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Gnathocharax steindachneri |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1913 |
| Other Names | None |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Family | Characidae |
| Genus | Gnathocharax |
| Origins | Brazil Guyana Venezuela |
| Max Size | 5 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Lifespan | 3 - 5 years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| PH | 5.5 - 7.5 |
| GH | 5 - 20 |
| KH | |
| TDS |
| ℉ | 73 - 80 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 22.8 - 26.7 |
