Another ornamental fish for our freshwater aquarium is the Roach Moenkhausia. It represents a genus of true tetras, even if it differs visually from the majority of tetras. Nevertheless, he belongs to the real and not to the tetra species. He can be confused Roach Moenkhausia Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae with the Moenkhausia oligolepis. Above all, the size makes the decisive difference here. Visually, especially when they are young, the fish can hardly be told apart. But let's get to that Characteristics of the roach Moenkhausia Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae. What sets this fish apart when it comes to coloring and Appearance, Breeding and Reproduction and the posture, attitude in our aquariums.
Origin of the roach Moenkhausia Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae
Today the roach Moenkhausia Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae is usually bought in specialist shops and pet shops and most of the specimens are offspring from large breeding farms. Wild-caught ones are hard to find and should be avoided when buying. The original origin of the roach Moenkhausia Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae is in South America like all tetras. There you will find the lively companions in the areas around Argentina and Paraguay. There it can be found in rivers such as the Rio Paranaiba and its tributaries. Finally, it can also be found in many parts of the Amazon Basin. Breeding is very often practiced in Eastern Europe or Asia. From there, most of the imports come to us.
Appearance and characteristics of the roach Moenkhausia Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae
As always, we've included a picture for you so you don't just have to rely on the description via text. Pictures often say more than many words. Let's start with the size, because the roach moenkhausia can grow up to 7 cm, which is also different from most tetras. In addition, the fish is also quite old and can be up to 10 years old. The body shape is rather high-backed, although not like the blood tetra, for example. However, it does not have the squat shape you would expect from the Neons knows. The Roach Moenkhausia also has a key identifying feature that should be spotted quickly. This is the distinctively colored eye but only on the upper side. This is red and lights up conspicuously. In addition, the roach Moenkhausia has very large scales, which is otherwise less common in other tetras. The caudal fin also has a special feature. It has a black stripe at the base. The rest of the body is colored silver. In addition, the fins are transparent. An adipose fin is also present here.
Perhaps a word about the nature of the ornamental fish. It is extremely peaceful and can be socialized with almost all fish. But here, too, it is true that he feels comfortable in a group of 8 animals or more and you should not stock them among them. Due to the size, this also places certain demands on the aquarium. But more on that in a later chapter.
Keeping and caring for the roach moenkhausia
Now let's move on to attitude. Here, too, one can speak of a beginner's fish, because the requirements are extremely low. Basically, you just have to make sure that the aquarium is not less than 100 liters. Better, however, a pool from 200 liters. Keeping 8 animals with an edge length of 80 cm is already borderline. We recommend from an edge length of 100 cm and then you also have the opportunity to use nice companion fish. There are also plenty of species of catfish.
When it comes to the temperature requirements in the aquarium, the fish makes few demands. Everything is fine between 22 and 27 degrees. The PH value should also not be a problem at 6 to 7,5 and a special treatment does not seem necessary. The total hardness can go up to 20 dGH, which is a very high value.
When planting, you should make sure that the fish has plenty of space to swim. We recommend planting the rear area in particular and leaving enough air in the front.
When it comes to feeding, there are plenty of options here, because the roach Moenkhausia also eats a lot. Basically, almost everything can be served here. Be it dry food or live food. Balanced feeding is important.
Characteristics of the Roach Moenkhausia
- Groups of 8 animals or more
- groups or schools of fish
- Pools from 80 cm edge length better 200 liters
- Temperature from 23 to 27 degrees
- PH value from 6 to 7,5
- GH up to 20 dGH
- swim room
Breeding and reproduction of the roach moenkhausia
Breeding is not quite as easy as keeping the fish. You have to pay attention to a few things here, as the fish only spawns if it is fed appropriately and the water parameters are also exactly right. First you have to make your aquarium water very soft. For this we refer to our guide peat filtering and also to osmosis system.
Feeding is also crucial, because spawn formation must be stimulated accordingly. Live food such as mosquito larvae is used for this purpose. Only with enough food will the females start spawning. In the breeding tank, you should also pay attention to fine plants when it comes to planting. This is then spawned accordingly. Once this has happened, then, as with almost all tetras, the parents have to get out of the tank quickly, otherwise the spawn would be eaten by them.
The young usually hatch after 1 to 2 days and can already swim freely after another 2 days. Then it says accordingly Artemia and feed dust food.