Lepidarchus Signifer

Lepidarchus signifer is one of the most uncommonly encountered West African micro-characins, a near relative of the celebrated Adonis Tetra from the coastal forest streams of Ghana and neighbouring countries. The body is almost entirely transparent, with small but vivid colour patches on the fins that serve as species-recognition signals.

As with the Adonis Tetra, water quality is the primary challenge. This species demands very soft, acidic water and a blackwater environment to remain healthy over the long term. Any deviation toward hard or alkaline conditions quickly leads to stress, colour loss, and susceptibility to disease. RO water with blackwater extract is ideal.

Lepidarchus signifer is best suited to a dedicated species aquarium or a carefully curated West African nano biotope with other very small, peaceful species. Its feeding requirements are the same as the Adonis Tetra — micro-foods only, including infusoria for newly hatched fry.

Water: Very soft and acidic, pH 5.5–7.0, temperature 22–26°C, GH 0–6, KH 0–3. Tank: Minimum 30 L blackwater nano setup with leaf litter, dark substrate, and very gentle flow. Feeding: Omnivore; baby brine shrimp, micro-worm, infusoria, and nano pellets. Breeding: Egg scatterer; very soft acidic water essential; fry require infusoria as first food. Compatibility: Peaceful; best in a species tank or with similarly tiny, gentle West African fish.