RED FLAGTAIL PROCHILODUS 7-8cm

These are active, migratory South American characins from the central Amazon basin (primarily Brazil). They have a silvery body, distinctive black-and-orange/red striped “flag” tail, red or orange pelvic/anal fins, and a fleshy, sucker-like mouth adapted for grazing algae and biofilm. They grow relatively quickly, are large, and are fast-swimming, so they need substantial open water. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water.

TANK SET UP: Longer tanks are better than tall ones; use sand or fine gravel. Driftwood and smooth rocks provide surfaces for grazing. Leave plenty of open swimming space. Algae growth is beneficial (they will graze it).
Not suitable for planted tanks. Lids are essential—they are strong jumpers.

TANK MATE:

• Silver Dollars, large peaceful characins, Severums, Uaru, Geophagus, large peaceful plecos, knifefish, and (in sufficiently huge tanks) arowanas or freshwater stingrays. Other robust, similarly sized South American community fish.

AVOID:

• Small fish that could be harassed or eaten, fin-nippers, highly aggressive cichlids, and other similar-looking prochilodontids in limited numbers/space.

FILTRATION: Powerful filtration, good oxygenation, and moderate current to mimic river conditions. They produce a noticeable bioload when grazing and are sensitive to chronically poor water quality.

MAINTENANCE: Ammonia/nitrite 0 ppm, nitrate < 20 ppm. Do weekly 25–30% water changes.

FEEDING:

They have specialised mouths and even dual stomachs that aid digestion of plant material.

• Staple diet: Algae wafers, spirulina-based pellets or flakes.

• Vegetables: Blanched spinach, zucchini, cucumber, lettuce, peas, and similar greens.

• Occasional protein: Small amounts of bloodworms, brine shrimp, or other frozen foods to round out the diet.

• Feed multiple smaller portions so they can graze throughout the day.