Axelrod's neolebias

Neolebias axelrodi

Also known as Axelrodi neolebias

FreshwaterFish

Care at a glance

Temperature: 73–81°F (23–27°C)
pH: 5.5–6.8
Adult size: 0.9 in (2.2 cm)
Minimum tank: 11 gal (40 L)
Temperament: Peaceful
Social behavior: Schooling
Swim level: Middle
Difficulty: Medium
Breeding: No record
Rarity: Rare
Origin: Coastal Nigeria
Family: Distichodontidae

Overview

A true nano fish, tiny and peaceful, that needs a school to feel safe, so keep at least eight or ten together in a soft, quiet tank. It swims in the middle water and forages the plants and litter for the smallest morsels, so it belongs only with equally tiny, gentle species such as Barboides, small African tetras, and dwarf shrimp. Anything larger will out-compete or intimidate it. Feed fine foods it can actually fit in its mouth: microworm, crushed flake, frozen cyclops, and baby brine shrimp. A well-planted tank of around 40 liters holds a school comfortably.

In the wild

Axelrod's neolebias comes from soft, shaded creeks along the coast of Nigeria, quiet blackwater darkened by leaves and overhanging forest. Recreate that with gentle filtration, plenty of planting, driftwood, and leaf litter, all under dim light. Keep it warm at 23 to 27 degrees Celsius and soft and acidic, with pH from 5.5 to 6.8. Stable, mature water matters more to this little fish than any single number.

Good to know

Neolebias axelrodi is a dwarf member of the family Distichodontidae, the African group that also holds the much larger distichodus. It is a thumbnail of a fish, staying under about 2.2 centimeters, flushed with rose and marked with a fine gold line. Breeding is not established in aquaria. The species is one of many named for Herbert Axelrod, the American publisher of aquarium books.

Did you know

For all its rosy colour, this is one of the smallest fish in its African family, an adult barely longer than a grain of rice. It carries the name of Herbert Axelrod, whose aquarium books put countless such species in front of hobbyists.

Tank mates

Axelrod's neolebias is a peaceful, schooling species that keeps to the middle. These picks match on water type, temperature, pH, size and temperament.