Hemiodus Gracilis

Datasheet

General Description

The Slender Hemiodus, scientifically known as Hemiodus Gracilis, is a peaceful species that can intimidate smaller or quieter tankmates due to its activity and size. It is a shoaling species that does well in a larger Amazon biotope setup, where it can be housed with similarly-sized characins, cichlids, catfish, and Loricariids. Hemiodus species have a nervous disposition initially but tend to settle down, especially when kept in groups. They are distinguishable by their unique patterning, with H. gracilis being the most commonly seen among them.

Aquarium Setup

For optimal care, a suitable tank setup for the Slender Hemiodus would include a minimum tank size of 255 liters with inert sand substrate, driftwood branches, and floating vegetation to reduce skittish behavior. They thrive in well-oxygenated water with a pH range of 5.8-7.2, hardness of 4-15°dH, and a temperature between 23-27°C. It is crucial to maintain excellent water quality and provide a secure tank cover to prevent surprising leaps.

Behaviour

The Slender Hemiodus exhibits peaceful behavior overall but can be intimidating to smaller tankmates. They are natural shoaling fish and should always be kept in a group to ensure their well-being within the aquarium. These species are known to feed on a variety of live, frozen, and dried foods, with a preference for some green matter to mimic their natural diet.

Feeding and Diet

Slender Hemiodus have an unfussy diet and readily accept various live, frozen, and dried foods. It is recommended to include greenstuffs in their diet as they feed heavily on plant matter in their natural habitat. Providing a balanced diet is essential for their overall health and vitality in captivity.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Reproduction of the Slender Hemiodus in the hobby setting is rare, and they are believed to be egg-scatterers. Sexual dimorphism in this species is not well-documented, but mature females are likely to have a rounder belly compared to males. More research is needed to identify distinct differences between the sexes.

Habitat and Distribution

Slender Hemiodus, native to Venezuela and Brazil, are commonly found in floodplain rivers and lakes in their natural habitat. They are adapted to thrive in freshwater ecosystems with specific water parameters and environmental conditions conducive to their survival.