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Powell's neolebias

Neolebias powelli

Also known as Powelli neolebias, Domino neolebias

FreshwaterFish

Powell's neolebias (Neolebias powelli)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
73–81°F
23–27°C
pH
5.0–6.5
Adult size
0.8 in
2 cm
Minimum tank
11 gal
40 L
Temperament
Peaceful
Social behavior
Schooling
Swim level
Middle
Diet
Carnivore
Difficulty
Difficult
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Rare
Family
Distichodontidae
Origin
Niger Delta blackwaters, Nigeria

Overview

Powell's neolebias is a tiny, peaceful blackwater specialist for a small, dim tank. Its size and its demands on water quality make it a fish for experienced keepers.

Did you know

Powell's neolebias is one of the tiniest characins on earth, a creature the size of a fingernail. It comes from one of Africa's least-seen fish communities.

Caring for the Powell's neolebias

School Powell's neolebias in a group of ten or more. A stable, mature, well-planted tank of 11 gal (40 L) suits a school. Keep the tank dim, with dense planting and heavy tannins from leaves and wood.

Give it soft, acidic, spotless water at 73 to 81°F (23 to 27°C) and a pH of 5.0 to 6.5. Pristine, stable conditions matter enormously to a fish this small and delicate.

It needs the finest of foods to survive. Feed microscopic live and frozen foods, such as microworm, baby brine shrimp and cyclops.

Treat it gently, and keep the school on its own or with other tiny, soft-water species such as Barboides. Breeding it in aquariums is not established.

Good to know

Neolebias powelli is a member of the African family Distichodontidae. Its pale, translucent body carries dark blotches, which earned it the trade name domino tetra.

In the wild

Powell's neolebias is known only from the Niger Delta in Nigeria. It lives in blackwater creeks of soft, acidic, tea-dark water under thick forest.

Weekly picks

Tank mates

The Powell'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 a Powell's neolebias need?

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

What temperature and pH does a Powell's neolebias need?

A Powell's neolebias is comfortable at 73–81°F (23–27°C) with a pH of 5.0–6.5.

What does a Powell's neolebias eat?

Powell's neolebias needs the finest of foods. Feed it microscopic live and frozen foods such as microworm, baby brine shrimp and cyclops.

How big does a Powell's neolebias get?

An adult Powell's neolebias reaches about 0.8 in (2 cm).

Does a Powell's neolebias need a group?

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

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