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Freshwater fishWeitzmani Tetra
Weitzmani Tetra
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The weitzmani tetra, or black darter tetra, is imported from Guyana, home of other uncommon fish such as the four-eyed anableps. Black darter tetras are fast-swimming, beautiful, tiny schooling fish for the aquarium. HOWEVER, these fish need live food, preferably live brine shrimp or chopped worms. The tetra can adapt to frozen small foods but seldom to flake. We highly recommend hatching some brine shrimp when you place your order! Also, these are schooling fish and need three or more companions to survive in the wild or the fish tank.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Poecilocharax weitzmani |
| Origin | Rio Negro and upper Orinoco (Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru) |
| Care Level | Difficult (needs very soft water) |
| Temperament | Peaceful (shy) |
| Adult Size | Up to 1" |
| Lifespan | 3–5 years |
| Diet | Carnivore (tiny meaty foods) |
| Water Temperature | 72–80°F |
| pH | 4.5–6.5 |
| Group Size | Does best in a group |
| Shipping Size | Approx. ½–¾" |
Care Guide
Tank setup: Pencilfish need a mature, densely planted tank with soft, acidic water, floating plants, leaf litter and very gentle filtration. They are shy and do best with other tiny, calm fish.
Feeding: Feed crushed flake or micro pellets once or twice a day. They also enjoy small frozen foods like brine shrimp.
Tankmates: Keep them with other tiny, calm fish like small tetras, rasboras, pygmy corydoras and dwarf shrimp. Avoid fast or boisterous tankmates that outcompete them for food.
Good to know: Pencilfish change their pattern between day and night, often showing bars or dots after dark.
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