Its native rivers flow through one of the most densely-populated and industrialised parts of Brazil, and have suffered greatly from dam construction, water abstraction, pollution, introduced species (including over 40 exotic freshwater fishes in the rio Paraíba do Sul alone), and other forms of anthropogenic degradation. H. flammeus is now uncommon or even extinct across much of its putative natural range, and in Rio de Janeiro state only a handful of highly-fragmented populations remain at best, with the mo…

In nature, the spawning nests of large male fish may measure several meters across and contain hundreds of snail shells. Interestingly, when they are protecting brooding females males do not eat and eventually become so weak that their territories are taken over by stronger fish. Immature and sub-dominant males can be seen over areas of open substrate where they feed voraciously in large shoals. Females are only ever found in areas containing the nests of dominant males.

It appears that the …

In the igarapés Baré and Ubim, western Brazil H. erythrostigma was collected from stretches measuring 5-7 metres in width with thick riparian and overhanging vegetation.

The substrate was mostly composed of sand and the fish displayed a preference for boundary zones between shallow and deeper water. Conductivity was measured at 14.2-62.1 mS/cm³, dissolved oxy…

This species is very common in the aquarium trade and is also referred to as ‘jewel’, ‘red minor’, ‘blood’, or ‘callistus’ tetra.

A number of selectively-bred ornamental strains have been developed, including ‘metallic’, ‘long-finned’, ‘balloon’ and ‘fairy-fin’.

Characiformes is among the most diverse orders of freshwa…

A beautiful species that is very similar to a host of others in the genus, some of which are undescribed. The most common of these in the hobby is H. bentosi. The two are so similar in appearance that H. rosaceus was once considered to be a subspecies of H. bentosi. The easiest way to distinguish them is by the presence of a dark marking just behind the operculum in H. bentosi, which is lacking in H. rosaceus.

As with the closely related Hemigrammus, the taxonomic status of all species in the…

A beautiful species that is very similar to a host of others in the genus, some of which are undescribed. The most frequently encountered of these in the trade is the rosy tetra, H. rosaceus. H. bentosi may also be seen for sale as 'Bentos' tetra' or 'White-tipped tetra'.

As with the closely related Hemigrammus, the taxonomic status of all species in the genus Hyphessobrycon is currently Incertae Sedis, meaning uncertain. The genus is currently used as something of a …

Type locality is ‘Rio das Mortes, some 100 km before its confluence with the Braço Maior of the Rio Araguaia (the western border of the Isla do Bananal). State of Mato Grosso.’

The das Mortes is a principal tributary of the Araguaia, itself the major affluent of the rio Tocantins within the lower Amazon basin in central and western Brazil, although the full range of H. amandae within the Araguaia system is unclear.

Julidochromis are commonly known as "Julies" in the hobby. Despite being the largest species of Julie this is actually the least aggressive member of the genus. As with other Julies, large water changes should be avoided as it can cause mated pairs to turn on one another.

J.regani may also be seen for sale labelled as Striped Julie or Convict Julie. Several geographical morphs are available. Apparently, the yellower of these are found in shallower water with the darker forms inhabit…

Julidochromis are commonly known as "Julies" in the hobby. This is one of the most common Julie species encountered in aquaria and may also be sold as the Yellow or Ornate Julie. The majority of specimens available are tank bred and do not exhibit as bright colouration as wild fish. As with other Julies, large water changes should be avoided as this can cause mated pairs to turn on one another.

Several geographical morphs of this species are available, as is an aquarium sport albino…