Flagtail prochilodus
Semaprochilodus taeniurus
Also known as Flag-tailed prochilodus, Silver prochilodus, Flagtail
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 73–82°F
- 23–28°C
- pH
- 5.5–7.5
- Adult size
- 11.8 in
- 30 cm
- Minimum tank
- 159 gal
- 600 L
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Social
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Middle
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- No record
- Rarity
- Rare
- Family
- Prochilodontidae
- Origin
- Native to the central and upper Amazon basin in South America.
Overview
These active grazers need a large tank of several hundred liters and do best in a small group, since lone fish can be nervy and squabbly. They are peaceful toward tankmates but constantly busy, working over rocks, wood, and glass for algae. Provide strong flow and clean, well oxygenated water to mimic their river home.
In the wild
Ranges through large rivers and floodplains, moving into flooded forest with the seasons. It grazes on algae, detritus, and the soft film that coats submerged surfaces. Big schools make long migrations to spawn.
Good to know
Semaprochilodus taeniurus has a distinctive fleshy, sucker like mouth built for rasping algae and detritus from surfaces. Its clearest feature is the boldly striped tail that gives it the flagtail name. Adults reach around 30 cm.
Did you know
In the wild these fish gather in vast shoals and swim upriver to spawn, one of the great seasonal migrations of the Amazon.
Common questions
What size tank does a Flagtail prochilodus need?
A Flagtail prochilodus needs at least 159 gal (600 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.
What temperature and pH does a Flagtail prochilodus need?
A Flagtail prochilodus is comfortable at 73–82°F (23–28°C) with a pH of 5.5–7.5.
How big does a Flagtail prochilodus get?
An adult Flagtail prochilodus reaches about 11.8 in (30 cm).
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