55 gallons (approx. 200+ litres). A longer tank is preferred over a tall tank to provide ample horizontal swimming space. A tight-fitting hood is mandatory. They are powerful, excellent jumpers.
Temperature: 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F).
ph: 6.5 to 7.5
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 0-20
kh: 5-15
Perform a 10% to 20% water change weekly to keep nitrates low.
Use sand, fine gravel, or large smooth rocks to replicate their natural riverbed habitat. Avoid sharp or medium gravel that can be ingested or scratch them. Provide plenty of caves, driftwood, rockwork, and dense live plants like Amazon Swords. These structures act as visual barriers to break lines of sight and reduce territorial behavior.
High-quality sinking pellets, algae wafers, and plant-based flake food. Offer bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia a few times a week for protein. Supplement their diet with blanched zucchini, cucumber, or peas. Feed once daily or every other day to prevent waste accumulation.
Fast-swimming, robust fish that occupy the mid-to-upper levels of the tank. Good choices include Tiger Barbs, Danios, Angelfish, Gouramis, and larger Tetras.