Domino Tetra (Neolebias powelli)
The Domino Tetra is a very small peaceful, timid fish that is best suited to a well-planted or nano aquarium. These Tetras will fare much better in a species only aquarium; however, you can combine them with other micro Tetras, Killifish from the genus Aphyosemion and Dwarf Cichlids such as Pelvicachromis taeniatus. Dwarf Shrimp also make good tankmates for this fish. You should not maintain these fish alongside other species you typically find in a community aquarium; otherwise, they will be intimidated or outcompeted for food.
It would be best to keep these Tetras in a group of at least ten individuals, preferably more, as this is essential for this small fish's well-being.
Domino Tetras will thrive in an aquarium designed to resemble their natural habitat. The setup can include subdued lighting from floating plants, a dark substrate and multiple areas for shelters. Plant species that do not require much light, such as Java fern, Microsorium Pteropus or small species of Anubias, will be ideal for the aquarium.
Domino Tetras have a yellowish-orange body colouration that displays anything from 1 to 4 emerald green to iridescent turquoise spots. In addition, they also have orange colouration on the top half of their iris, and all their fins are transparent.
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| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Neolebias powelli |
| Other Names | Powell's Dwarf Tetra |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Characiformes |
| Family | Distichodontidae |
| Genus | Neolebias |
| Origins | Nigeria |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 8+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Lifespan | 1 - 2 years |
| Water Parameters | |
|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| PH | 5.5 - 7.5 |
| GH | 5 - 20 |
| KH | 0 - 8 |
| Temperature | |
|---|---|
| 72 - 78℉ 22.2 - 25.6℃ | |
Feeding
In the home aquarium, the Domino Tetra will readily accept most good quality dried foods such as granules, flakes and sinking pellets. These modern food products have been developed to provide all adequate nutrition to maintain your fish's health and dietary requirements.
Providing additional foodstuffs such as live, frozen, and freeze-dried meals such as bloodworm, daphnia, and tubifex once or twice a week will provide additional benefits to your fish's health and well-being but is not a must for this fish.
It should be noted that bloodworms should only be given as an occasional treat and should not be used as the staple diet as they are difficult for fish to digest and can potentially cause blockages.
This fish is an omnivore in the wild, meaning it will consume some vegetable matter. Although most modern fish foods take this into account and include them in their products, you can still supplement your fish's diet with blanched vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and zucchini. Ensure you do not overfeed your fish and remove any leftovers the following day.
Tank Mates
1 interesting tank mate ideas for the Domino Tetra could include:
Sexual Dimorphism
It is somewhat difficult to differentiate between male and female Domino Tetras as they look almost identical. However, females usually have slightly more rounder bodies than males and are typically very marginally duller.