Size
1.2 – 1.4 inches (3 – 3.5 cm)
Physical Characteristics
Sexual dimorphism is evident in all species of the genus; males have a base body color that is grayish and a brilliant blue to greenish lateral stripe that, in dominant or breeding individuals, can almost seem white. Females have a darker lateral stripe that resembles a zigzag pattern and a much paler base body coloration.
Temperament
Fish and quiet invertebrates make for a serene environment. When kept in colonies, interesting social activity occurs. secure with little shrimp. extremely vivacious and personable.
Habitat
In tropical, frequently volcanic islands, members of this genus live almost exclusively in small coastal streams; their natural habitats are located above waterfalls or cataracts.
Keeping as Pet
- Tank Size
A pair or small group can fit in an aquarium with base measurements of 60 30 cm, but if you want to maintain many species together since males are sometimes territorial, use something larger.
- Water Parameters
Temperature: 22–28 °C; more vigorous surface agitation is required to keep dissolved oxygen levels near the top of this range.
pH: 6.5 – 7.5
Hardness: 36 to 215 ppm
- Feeding
While the elongate gut is specifically made to handle vegetative materials, some sinking dried goods and small, meaty items like live or frozen bloodworm may be eaten in the aquarium but should only be fed infrequently. So, it is crucial to supply a mature aquarium with a large number of algae-covered rocks and other surfaces for long-term success.
It might be necessary to keep a separate container in which to grow algae on rocks and alternate them with those in the main tank on a periodic basis if you are unable to grow enough algae in the main tank or you have a community containing numerous herbivorous fishes that quickly consume what is available. Such a “nursery” doesn’t need to be very big; it only needs powerful lighting and can be kept outside in warm climes.
Diatoms, cyanobacteria, or blue-green “algae,” and green variants are preferable to hardier algae like rhodophyta “black brush” algae. Algal type is also significant.
- Tank mates
Stiphodon spp. can be kept in a group as long as the tank mates are carefully chosen. We’ve seen it maintained with a variety of characids, small poeciliid livebearers, and freshwater shrimp of the genera Caridina and Neocaridina. However, the best species for the upper levels are calm, similarly sized species that naturally inhabit well-oxygenated streams, such as Tanichthys, Microdevario, or smaller Danio species.
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