A minimum of 125 to 150 gallons (approx. 500 to 570 litres) is required for adults.
Temperature: 22°C to 28°C
ph: 6.5 to 7.5
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 0-20
kh: 5-12
A tight-fitting lid or heavy cover slide is mandatory because these fish easily startle and can jump out.
Arrange smooth driftwood and rocks along the periphery while keeping the center completely open. Avoid sharp objects that could injure them when they panic.
High-quality flakes and sinking pellets. Supplement with live, frozen, or freeze-dried foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. You can also offer fresh greens like blanched spinach, peas, chopped cucumber, or zucchini. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily, ensuring they consume all food within 3 minutes.
Keep them in groups of 5 or more Solitary individuals often become aggressive or chronically stressed, while pairs or trios frequently result in severe bullying of the weakest fish. They are peaceful but large. Avoid small fish (like Neon Tetras) because fully grown adults will eat them. Choose large, robust, and peaceful tank mates such as Tinfoil Barbs, Clown Loaches, Silver Dollars, gouramis, or medium-sized South American cichlids.