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Origin: Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, Brazil. Rio Paraguay and Rio Parnaiba

Etymology: Moenkhausia (L.): Named after the zoölogist William J. Moenkhaus, 1871-1947 | sanctaefilomenae: Unk

Synonyms: Tetragonopterus sanctaefilomenae, Tetragonopterus oligolepis, Günther, 1864, Moenkhausia oligolepis, Eigenmann, 1910, Moenkhausia aggasizi, Moenkhausia australis, Moenkhausia filomenae, Poecilurichthys agassizi. (Note: Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae was considered to be oligolepis until 1970, and was known as the Surinam form).

First European import: Germany,1914, by C. Kropac.

Description:See pictures

Care: Really hardy fish that can be kept in almost every community tank, since it's very adaptable. Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae is a schoolfish, and it is necessary to keep at least 4, but rather 6-8 fish together. Some planted regions in the back, a dark soil, and some shaded areas will also increase the well-being of the animals. Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae inhabits the middle regions of the tank, where it will swim around quietly and relaxed, without bothering other fish.

Temperature:20-26 degrees

Feeding: Omnivorous, all food is accepted.

Size:Up to 7 cm

pH: 6.0-7.5

Breeding: Breeding Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae is a lot more difficult than keeping the fish.A spacious tank, well panted, with very soft acidic water, preferably peat filtered. Floating plants to create shade, combined with a bit of sunlight in the morning can induce spawning. Temperature 20-25 degrees. Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae can be spawned in groups or in pairs. The fish will spawn in between the plants, and should be removed from the breeding tank shortly afterwards. The eggs will hatch in a day or two, and should be fed with infusoria for the first week. The fry grow fast, larger fry should be separated from the smaller ones.

Sexual dimorphism:The males are smaller than the females.

Prices: Netherlands: 0.5€

Additional:Very good beginner fish, commonly available.

Picture references: All pictures: E. Naus

References:

Hoedeman, J. J.(1969): Aquariumvissen encyclopedie 3. Elsevier Nederland B. V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Baensch, H. A., Riehl, R.(1982): Aquarien Atlas I. Mergus Verlag, Melle, Germany.

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