| Holopristis pulchra | |
|---|---|
| | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Characiformes |
| Family: | Acestrorhamphidae |
| Genus: | Holopristis |
| Species: | H. pulcher |
| Binomial name | |
| Holopristis pulcher (Ladiges, 1938) | |
| Synonyms | |
Hemigrammus pulcherLadiges, 1938 | |
Holopristis pulcher, the pretty tetra, garnet tetra or black wedge tetra, is a species freshwater ray-finned fish belonging to the family Acestrorhamphidae. [1] In the wild, the species is found near Iquitos in the Peruvian Amazon, and probably also in Brazil and Colombia. [1]
Holopristis pulcher has a pale-lemon background color with a black area on the flanks, up to the caudal peduncle. [2] Under subdued lighting, H. pulcher's body appears iridescent. [2] It grows up to 4 cm (1.6 in). [2]
Males can be distinguished from females through the shape of the swim bladder, which can be seen through the fish's semi-transparent body. [2] In males, the swim bladder is pointed, while in females, the swim bladder is rounded. [2]
Aquarists keep this fish in water with temperatures ranging from 23 to 27 °C (73 to 81 °F) that is soft (50–100 mg/L) and acidic (pH 6.0). [2] The fish is reported to be peaceful and social. [2]
Aquarists recommend that it be fed prepared foods and small live foods. [2]
Breeding is difficult, as parents must be prevented from eating their own eggs. Eggs usually hatch within 20–24 hours.
The H. pulcher does best in groups of 6 or more.