James' Moenkhausia

Moenkhausia jamesi is a mid-sized tetra from the Amazonian tributaries of Ecuador and Peru. Its body is pale golden with clearly etched scale outlines giving it a delicate, embossed appearance, and it bears a characteristic black triangular spot at the caudal peduncle. While not flashy, its clean, elegant form is an excellent complement to more brightly colored species in a South American community aquarium. It is a calm, hardy fish that thrives in groups and accepts most aquarium foods without difficulty. Its adaptability and peaceful temperament make it a reliable and low-maintenance community species suitable for a range of skill levels.

Water: pH 6.0–7.5, temperature 23–28 °C; soft to moderately hard. Tolerant and adaptable. Tank: 80 L minimum; planted community tank with open mid-water space and gentle flow. Feeding: Omnivore; pellets, flake, frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworm. Breeding: Egg-scatterer; neutral soft water. Straightforward breeding when conditioned. Compatibility: Peaceful; suitable for most peaceful community tanks with similarly sized fish.