More info
Datasheet
| Minimum Tank Size | 25 litres / 6.60 US gallons |
| Maximum Size | 3.5cm / 1.38inches |
| Temperature | 22°C / 71.60°F - 28°C / 82.40°F |
| Hardness | 1.01dgH / 18ppm - 4.03dgH / 72ppm |
| pH | 3.0-6.5 |
Aquarium Setup
Can be housed in a fully decorated aquarium with decorations like driftwood, roots, branches, and shaded spots. The addition of clay pots or piping can provide shelter and potential spawning sites. Dried leaf litter and alder cones can be added for a natural feel, creating microbe colonies for fry to feed on. This species thrives under dim lighting and can coexist with aquatic plant species like Microsorum, Taxiphyllum, or Cryptocoryne. Filtration should not be strong, with an air-powered sponge filter being sufficient. Regular water changes of 5-10% of the aquarium volume are necessary. Parosphromenus Linkei requires acidic conditions, low carbonate hardness, and minimal general hardness. A reverse osmosis unit may be needed to soften water further, without the use of natural peat. The species is sensitive to organic waste fluctuations and should not be introduced to immature aquariums.
Behaviour
Not recommended for general community aquariums due to specific care needs and disposition. Best maintained alone or with small, peaceful cyprinids like Boraras or Sundadanio spp. Avoid keeping different Parosphromenus spp. together due to difficulties in sexing and potential hybridization. While mixed-sex groups are possible, breeders usually prefer sexed pairs for breeding success.
Feeding and Diet
Primarily micropredators, feeding on tiny aquatic invertebrates. In captivity, they need a varied diet of live foods like Artemia nauplii, Daphnia, Moina, and mosquito larvae. Frozen foods are sometimes accepted, but dried products are typically refused due to low nutritional value.
Reproduction & Dimorphism
Parosphromenus Linkei typically spawns in small caves or leaf litter and forms temporary pair bonds with males responsible for egg and brood care. Males tend to be larger than females with extended fins. Both sexes can change color based on mood, especially intensifying when aggressive.
Habitat and Distribution
Native to peat swamp forests and blackwater streams in Borneo, this species survives in remnants of modified habitats, posing a risk of extinction. Maintained sympatrically with other species, their habitat often consists of dark, acidic water with minimal mineral content. A preference for specific conditions makes them sensitive to environmental changes.