Ansorge's neolebias

Care at a glance

Overview

This shy nano fish does best in a small, densely planted species tank with soft, acidic water and gentle lighting. Keep a group of at least 6, and house it only with very small, calm tankmates or on its own. In dealer tanks it looks washed out, but settled males color up dramatically.

In the wild

Lives in marshes, small ponds, and heavily vegetated creeks in West and Central Africa. The water is soft, acidic, and often shallow and slow. The fish keep among dense plants and are easily overlooked in the wild.

Good to know

Neolebias ansorgii is a tiny African characin of around 3.5 cm that belongs to the family Distichodontidae, not the American tetra family. Breeding males flush deep red across the lower body and fins. It is one of the more colorful members of its genus.

Did you know

A drab looking fish in the shop can transform into a glowing red jewel once it settles into soft, well planted, tannin stained water.

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