Neoheterandria Elegans

Datasheet

General Description

Neoheterandria Elegans, commonly known as Tiger Teddy, is a beautiful and shy species of fish that appears to be quite rare in both the wild and aquarium hobby. It is a diminutive fish, with males significantly smaller than females, possessing a prominent gonopodium.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up an aquarium for Neoheterandria Elegans, it is important to create a gently filtered, heavily planted environment. Clean water is crucial, necessitating weekly water changes of approximately 50%. The species thrives in water conditions with a hardness of 90-447ppm, a pH of 7.0-8.0, and a temperature range of 24-30°C (see table).

Behaviour

This species is unsuitable for a general community aquarium due to its small size and shy nature. It is best kept alone or in a small colony to prevent aggression, especially from females. Maintaining a heavily planted set-up can help reduce aggressive behavior among females.

Feeding and Diet

Tiger Teddy is an unfussy and omnivorous species that accepts a wide variety of foods. As a micropredator, it particularly enjoys small live or frozen foods such as Artemia or Daphnia. A diet rich in crushed dry foods is also accepted, and sufficient micro-organisms for the young can be found in tanks with fine-leaved plants.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Reproduction in Neoheterandria Elegans involves a unique process called 'superfoetation,' where fry at different stages of development can be present in a female's uterus simultaneously. The species has a gestation period of around 30 days, and fry receive nourishment through organs that function similarly to mammalian placentas. Males are smaller than females and exhibit a prominent gonopodium.

Habitat and Distribution

Endemic to the Río Atrato drainage in Choco and Antioquia departments in northwestern Colombia, Neoheterandria Elegans' full range remains somewhat unclear. The species may be restricted to the Río Truandó, a tributary of Lower Río Atrato, where it was first discovered.