Blue-purple Croaking Tetra - Mimagoniates barberi Fish Profile & Care Guide
Introduction
Blue-purple Croaking Tetras (Mimagoniates barberi) are renowned for their distinctive traits and eye-catching appearance, making them an excellent choice for community aquariums. They flourish in environments that closely mimic their natural habitat, particularly in aquariums abundant with plant life. Their gentle demeanour and captivating shoaling behaviour contribute significantly to the allure of any freshwater aquarium. For optimal social interaction and well-being, it is advisable to house these Tetras in groups of six or more, as they naturally form shoals.
When curating a balanced community aquarium, it is important to select tankmates that are similar in size and temperament. Suitable companions include other Tetra species, Pencilfish, Hatchetfish, and Dwarf Cichlids such as Apistogramma or Mikrogeophagus. Certain varieties of Corydoras Catfish and smaller Plecos can also coexist harmoniously. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid introducing slow-moving, long-finned species into the aquarium, as this can lead to issues with fin-nipping. Additionally, it is wise to refrain from housing larger, more active fish alongside these Tetras, as they may harass or outcompete them for food, potentially leading to stress and health complications for the Tetras.
A thoughtfully decorated aquarium is essential to ensure the well-being and vibrant health of these fish. The habitat should include an abundance of both rooted and floating plants, as well as slender pieces of driftwood to offer hiding spots and evoke a natural ambience. Incorporating dried Indian Almond Leaves on the substrate not only augments the fish's colouration but also gradually acidifies the water, creating a more suitable environment for the Blue Croaking Tetras.
The appearance of the Blue-purple Croaking Tetra is marked by a pale silvery blue colour on its sides. A broader stripe of a slightly darker silvery blue runs along the body, starting from the shoulder area and extending to the tail base. The back features a narrow, dark brown line that stretches from the head's parietal region to just below the small, fatty fin near the tail. The body's upper side exhibits a brownish-yellow green hue, bordered above by a narrow dark brown line across the back's topmost part. The tail base's upper region is nearly yellow.
The underside, including most of the lower jaw, the lower part of the gill cover, and the gill rays and membranes, is silvery white. The gill cover's upper part has a silvery blue sheen. The tail fin's upper lobe and the main rays on the lower lobe are bright yellow, except for the black base of one specific ray, which merges with the black colour. A few rays on the lower part of the tail fin are almost clear, with one showing a hint of yellow. The rest of the tail fin is black. The anal fin's back portion, behind the front lobe, is lemon yellow, forming a stripe along the fin's lower edge. The front lobe's back region is almost clear.
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Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Identifying the gender of Blue-purple Croaking Tetras is a relatively uncomplicated process. Males typically exhibit more vibrant colouration and are generally larger and more robustly built compared to females, who tend to have a less pronounced colour palette.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Mimagoniates barberi |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1907 |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Characiformes |
| Family | Characidae |
| Genus | Mimagoniates |
| Origins | Brazil Argentina Paraguay |
| Approx Max Size | 4 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0 - 6.5 |
| GH | 2 - 8 |
| ℉ | 68 - 75 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 20 - 24 |
Natural Habitat
Blue-purple Croaking Tetras are indigenous to the blackwater streams of various regions, including Estado and San Pedro in Paraguay, encompassing specific locations such as Arroyo Yacá, Arroyito Guavira Poty, and Estacion Caballero. They can also be found in Brazil, particularly Rio Grande do Sul, Humboldt, Santa Catarina, and Paranagua. Additionally, these Tetras have been documented in the Río Paraná Basin, as well as the arroyo Negro and arroyo Piedras within the Province of Misiones in Northeastern Argentina. Their habitat primarily comprises small to moderate-sized slow-flowing streams and rivers in South America.
Breeding
Cultivating Blue-purple Croaking Tetras involves some preparatory steps, yet it is a manageable process. To commence, conditioning the fish with high-quality frozen or live food for several weeks is crucial, enhancing their health and breeding readiness. A dedicated breeding tank is required, featuring soft, acidic water and subdued lighting. Spawning mops or dense floating plants should be included as a spawning substrate. Alternatively, a mesh can be installed at the tank's base to allow eggs to fall through while preventing adult access.
The Blue-purple Croaking Tetras typically spawn a few eggs at a time, with the process potentially extending over several hours. Post-spawning, it is imperative to remove the adults to safeguard the eggs from being eaten. Should the breeding attempt prove unsuccessful, the adult fish should be removed, and a new pair introduced. The eggs usually hatch within 24 to 36 hours, with the fry becoming free-swimming after 4 to 5 days. During this critical period, the fry should be fed infusoria-grade food to facilitate their growth and development.
Diet & Feeding
Ensuring the proper nutrition of Blue-purple Croaking Tetras is essential for their well-being. While high-quality flakes, granules, and micropellets can serve as primary dietary staples, it is advisable to diversify their diet with vitamin-enriched live and frozen foods such as bloodworms, Artemia, Daphnia, and mosquito larvae. This supplementation is crucial for providing essential nutrients vital to their health.
Given the modest size of these Tetras, it is imperative to exercise caution regarding their feeding regimen. Overfeeding should be avoided, as it can lead to water quality deterioration. It is advisable to closely monitor their feeding habits and adjust the quantity of food provided accordingly to prevent potential health issues.
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Published: 17 Jan 2024
Last Updated: 18 Jan 2024