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Axelrod's neolebias

Neolebias axelrodi

Also known as Axelrodi neolebias

FreshwaterFish

Axelrod's neolebias (Neolebias axelrodi)

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
Family
Distichodontidae
Origin
Coastal Nigeria

Overview

Axelrod's neolebias is a true nano fish, tiny and peaceful, for a soft, quiet tank. It is a step up from the easiest fish.

Did you know

Axelrod's neolebias is one of the smallest fish in its African family, the same family that holds the much larger distichodus.

Caring for the Axelrod's neolebias

Axelrod's neolebias needs a school to feel safe, so keep at least eight or ten together. A well-planted tank of 11 gal (40 L) holds a school comfortably. Use gentle filtration, plenty of plants, driftwood and leaf litter, all under dim light.

Keep the water soft and acidic, at 73 to 81°F (23 to 27°C) and a pH of 5.5 to 6.8. Stable, mature water matters more to this little fish than any single number.

It forages the plants and litter for the smallest morsels. Feed fine foods it can fit in its mouth, such as microworm, crushed flake, frozen cyclops and baby brine shrimp.

It is peaceful and belongs only with equally tiny, gentle species such as Barboides, small African tetras and dwarf shrimp. Anything larger will out-compete or intimidate it. Breeding is not established in aquariums.

Good to know

Neolebias axelrodi is a dwarf member of the family Distichodontidae. It is flushed with rose and marked with a fine gold line. It is one of many species named for Herbert Axelrod, the American publisher of aquarium books. His books put countless such species in front of hobbyists.

In the wild

Axelrod's neolebias comes from soft, shaded creeks along the coast of Nigeria. The water there is quiet blackwater, darkened by leaves and overhanging forest.

Weekly picks

Tank mates

The Axelrod's neolebias is a peaceful, schooling species that keeps to the middle. These picks share a community profile with it, are safe together in both directions, and overlap on water type, temperature and pH.

Check the full mix in the stocking calculator

Common questions

What size tank does an Axelrod's neolebias need?

An Axelrod's neolebias needs at least 11 gal (40 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does an Axelrod's neolebias need?

An Axelrod's neolebias is comfortable at 73–81°F (23–27°C) with a pH of 5.5–6.8.

What does an Axelrod's neolebias eat?

Axelrod's neolebias forages the plants and litter for the smallest morsels. Feed it fine foods that fit its mouth, such as microworm, crushed flake, frozen cyclops and baby brine shrimp.

How big does an Axelrod's neolebias get?

An adult Axelrod's neolebias reaches about 0.9 in (2.2 cm).

Does an Axelrod's neolebias need a group?

Yes. An Axelrod's neolebias is a schooling species and should be kept in a group, not singly.

Related species