Neolebias Powelli

Neolebias powelli is a diminutive and graceful micro-characin from the Congo basin, bearing the characteristic Neolebias body plan: small, slightly compressed, with a dark lateral stripe and coloured tail highlights that add quiet charm without the visual drama of larger schooling fish. In appropriate conditions with a dark substrate and plant-filtered lighting, a large school creates a subtle, jewel-like effect in the aquarium.

As with all Neolebias species, Powell's Neolebias requires soft, slightly acidic water for best health and colouration. Hard or alkaline water leads to stress and colour fade over time. A nano aquarium with leaf litter, peat filtration or blackwater extract, and fine-leaved planting is the ideal setup. This species pairs beautifully with other small West and Central African nano fish.

Neolebias powelli feeds readily on micro-pellets, fine flake, and small live or frozen invertebrates such as baby brine shrimp and micro-worm. It is a hardy and rewarding representative of the genus for nano African biotope enthusiasts.

Water: Soft and slightly acidic, pH 5.5–7.0, temperature 23–27°C, GH 1–8, KH 0–4. Tank: Minimum 40 L nano planted setup with leaf litter, dim lighting, and very gentle flow. Feeding: Omnivore; micro-pellets, fine flake, baby brine shrimp, and micro-worm. Breeding: Egg scatterer among fine plants; very soft water; fry require infusoria initially. Compatibility: Peaceful nano fish; ideal with other small African micro-fish and nano shrimp.