Iguanodectes Adujai

Datasheet

General Description

"Iguanodectes adujai, commonly known as the red line lizard tetra, is a peaceful species native to the Rio Negro in the Brazilian Amazon basin and the upper Río Orinoco system in Venezuela. This species belongs to the family Iguanodectidae and can reach a maximum size of 6.2cm. It is typically found in habitats with blackwater, acidic conditions, and dense riparian vegetation."

Aquarium Setup

"Recommended for a community aquarium, Iguanodectes adujai thrives in a tank of at least 80 litres with soft, acidic water (pH 5.0-7.0). Setting up the aquarium with a sandy substrate, driftwood, and live plants mimics its natural habitat. Incorporating dried leaf litter not only enhances the natural feel but also provides food sources for both adults and fry. It's crucial to maintain good water quality as the species is sensitive to poor conditions."

Behaviour

"Iguanodectes adujai is generally peaceful and does well in groups of 8-10 individuals or more. When kept in a mixed-sex group with other schooling fish, such as characids and small catfish, they display interesting interactions. Males exhibit vibrant colors when competing for females or establishing hierarchy within the group. It's advisable to have more females than males to prevent excessive harassment."

Feeding and Diet

"In their natural habitat, I. adujai likely feeds on small invertebrates, crustaceans, algae, and fallen fruit. In aquariums, they can survive on dried foods but thrive on a varied diet, including live and frozen foods like bloodworms, mosquito larvae, Daphnia, and Moina. Offering a diverse diet ensures the fish receive essential nutrients for their overall health."

Reproduction & Dimorphism

"Information on the reproduction and specific dimorphism of I. adujai is not provided in the available data. However, in many tetra species, females are often larger and rounder-bodied compared to males, especially during the breeding season. It is likely that this species exhibits similar reproductive behaviors observed in other tetras."

Habitat and Distribution

"Endemic to the Rio Negro and the upper Río Orinoco system, Iguanodectes adujai inhabits tributary channels with pristine blackwater conditions and thick riparian vegetation. These environments feature acidic water with negligible carbonate hardness, stained brownish due to humic substances. They may also be found in morichals in the Orinoco system with clear water and sandy substrates, often seeking shelter among aquatic plants and roots."