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
The flagtail prochilodus is an active grazer for a large tank with strong flow. It suits a keeper with some experience.
Caring for the flagtail prochilodus
Flagtail prochilodus need a large tank of at least 159 gal (600 L). Provide strong flow and clean, well-oxygenated water to mimic their river home.
Keep the water at 73 to 82°F (23 to 28°C), with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. They are constantly busy, working over rocks, wood and glass for algae.
They do best in a small group, since lone fish can be nervy and squabbly. They are mostly peaceful, but choose tank mates with caution.
Good to know
The flagtail prochilodus, Semaprochilodus taeniurus, is a member of the family Prochilodontidae. It 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.
In the wild
The flagtail prochilodus is native to the central and upper Amazon basin. It 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.
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.
What does a flagtail prochilodus eat?
A flagtail prochilodus is a constant grazer, working over rocks, wood and glass in the tank for algae.
How big does a flagtail prochilodus get?
An adult flagtail prochilodus reaches about 11.8 in (30 cm).
Related species
13.8 in (35 cm)135 gal (510 L)73–84°F (23–29°C)Kissing prochilodus
Semaprochilodus insignis
13.8 in (35 cm) · 135 gal (510 L)
17.3 in (44 cm)264 gal (1,000 L)73–82°F (23–28°C)Orinoco flagtail prochilodus
Semaprochilodus laticeps
17.3 in (44 cm) · 264 gal (1,000 L)
23.6 in (60 cm)396 gal (1,500 L)68–79°F (20–26°C)Streaked prochilodus
Prochilodus lineatus
23.6 in (60 cm) · 396 gal (1,500 L)
11.8 in (30 cm)53 gal (200 L)73–82°F (23–28°C)African knifefish
Xenomystus nigri
11.8 in (30 cm) · 53 gal (200 L)
11.8 in (30 cm)85 gal (320 L)75–84°F (24–29°C)Brown ghost knifefish
Apteronotus leptorhynchus
11.8 in (30 cm) · 85 gal (320 L)
11.8 in (30 cm)119 gal (450 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)Dot-dash leporinus
Leporinus steyermarki
11.8 in (30 cm) · 119 gal (450 L)