Feeder Platies

Size: Approx. 3-4" Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Peaceful Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately Hardy Water Conditions: 75-82 °F°, <10dgH, pH 6.0-7.0 Max. Size: 6″ Color Form: Silver Diet: Omnivorous (primarily Herbivorous) Compatibility: Aggressive to small fish Origin: Brazil Family: Characidae (Serrasalmidae) Life Span: 15 years or more Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

Approx. 1.5″ – 2″ The Rummynose, also known as “firehead tetras“, are found in the upper and lower Amazon River basins, the Rio Negro and Rio Meta basins, and the Orinoco River. Rummynose Tetras live in the quiet, tannin stained, slow moving creeks and “blackwater” river areas of Brazil and Columbia.  They prefer the soft, acidic water that is the result of decayed vegetation and leaf litter, and frequent areas with an abundance of aquatic plant life and hiding places. When housed in a heavily planted aquarium environment, Rummynose Tetras are benefited by placing a piece of water logged driftwood into their tanks. When kept in a suitable environment, the ruby red head that is the namesake for these fish becomes more vivid and pronounced. Rummynose Tetras are a silvery, torpedo shaped fish with two black and white stripes on each caudal fin and horizontal black and white stripes on the tail fin. Its head is a deep iridescent red that continues from the iris of the eye, past the gill plate to mid body. Its name is derived from the word “rummy“, which was the name given to rum addicted alcoholics who often had red (rummy) noses. Rummynose Tetras are shoaling fish that seldom exceed 2” in length.  They are sensitive to water hardness, pH, and water temperature fluctuations and are best kept in schools of 6 or more fish. Rummynose Tetras are a hardy fish that require only minimal care when housed in a densely planted 20 gallon tank with plenty of gentle water filtration. Keeping the water warm (between 73 to 80 degrees), the pH between 6.0 to 7.0 and providing weekly 25% water changes will keep your Rummynose Tetras healthy. When Rummynose Tetras are stressed, the vivid red on their noses will become drab and eventually disappear.  This can occur when the fish are first introduced into your aquarium, but after a couple of weeks they will regain their beautiful ruby red “nose” if water conditions are optimal. Rummynose Tetras will eagerly accept commercial flake foods, live brine shrimp, tubifex worms, mosquito larvae and a variety of freeze dried and frozen foods. Minimum Tank Size: 15 – 20 gallons Care Level: Easy Temperament: Peaceful Water Conditions: 72-80° F, KH 2-6, pH 5.5-7.0 Max. Size: 2″ Color Form: Red, White Diet: Omnivore Compatibility: Ok with large non agressive fish Origin: South America, Bred in Europe and Southeast Asia Family: Characidae Lifespan: 5 to 6 years Aquarist Experience Level: Experienced

Approx. 2" - 2.5" Glass Catfish lack body pigment and are transparent.   They have a slender body, an anal fin that extends almost from the head to the forked caudal fin, two long barbels, and usually only grow to about 3″ in length.   Most of their organs are located towards the head and although they are transparent, they have an iridescent rainbow color when the light strikes them at the right angle. Glass Catfish are a timid, non-aggressive, mid water swimming species that prefer hiding in the darker areas of the river.  They are frequently collected while hiding under logs, elevated rock outcroppings, and in the shadows of overhanging vegetation in areas with a good amount of water movement. In an aquarium environment, they need a densely planted tank with a lot of swimming area, a gentle amount of current, and some driftwood roots for shelter. A generous growth of aquatic plants is imperative to their well being, and floating plants should also be included in their tank to filter out bright lighting. In their natural habitat they are found in small schools, and should be kept with at least 5 or 6 of their own kind in a community tank setting with other peaceful fish of the same size. They do well with the smaller tetras, Corydoras, etc. Glass catfish are relatively delicate and are extremely sensitive to changes in water quality and pH. They do best in soft (less than 10 ° dGH), slightly acidic (pH 6.5) water, at a temperature around 77 °F. A good quality filter that provides some water movement is necessary for this species. Glass Catfish in an aquarium environment are reputedly finicky eaters however, they will accept live, frozen, or freeze dried bloodworms, tubifex, brine shrimp, and mosquito larvae. They can be weaned to accept flake foods. Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Peaceful Water Conditions: 75-80° F, KH 8-12, pH 6.5-7.0 Max. Size: 3″” Color Form: Clear Diet: Omnivore Compatibility: Community Origin: Thailand Family: Siluridae Lifespan: 3-6 years Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate/Advanced