More info
Datasheet
| Minimum Tank Size | 25 litres / 6.60 US gallons |
| Maximum Size | 2.6cm / 1.02inches |
| Temperature | 22°C / 71.60°F - 28°C / 82.40°F |
| Hardness | 1.01dgH / 18ppm - 4.03dgH / 72ppm |
| pH | 3.0-6.5 |
Behaviour:
Not suitable for a general community aquarium due to specific care requirements and conservation status, Parosphromenus alfredi is best kept alone or with small, peaceful cyprinids like Boraras or Sundadanio species. It is advised not to house different Parosphromenus species together since females can be challenging to differentiate, and hybridization may occur. While a mixed-sex group is possible, breeders often prefer sexed pairs to prevent fry survival issues. Males exhibit intricate courtship behaviors, creating territories and attracting females with elaborate displays before spawning in small caves or leaf litter. After spawning, the male guards the eggs and young fry, while the female defends the perimeter. Patience is needed during breeding, as some adults may consume eggs initially.
Feeding and Diet:
Primarily micropredators, Parosphromenus alfredi thrives on small live foods like Artemia nauplii, Daphnia, and mosquito larvae. Frozen foods are sometimes accepted, but dried products are generally refused due to inadequate nutrition. Maintaining a varied diet rich in live foods is essential for their health and vitality.
Reproduction & Dimorphism:
During courtship and breeding, males display vibrant colors with black, red, and blue bands on their fins, while females are less colorful. Successful spawning results in mobile fry after 24-36 hours of incubation. Fry initially rely on small live foods like Paramecium and gradually transition to Artemia nauplii. Males and females exhibit color changes based on mood, with nuptial pairs displaying unique markings and behaviors.
Habitat and Distribution:
Endemic to eastern Johor state in Peninsular Malaysia, specifically around Kota Tinggi, Parosphromenus alfredi inhabits peat swamp forests and blackwater streams. These unique habitats feature minimal light penetration, acidic water with low mineral content, and a pH as low as 3.0. Unfortunately, the species faces extinction threats due to habitat loss from deforestation and human activities, resulting in their survival in modified environments like irrigation ditches. Considered stenotypic, they require specific water parameters and thrive in dimly lit, heavily vegetated aquatic environments.