Payne's Mochokiella

Mochokiella paynei stands alone as the only species in its monotypic genus and is among the smallest members of the family Mochokidae, reaching barely 4 cm at full adult size. It originates from small, shaded forest streams in Sierra Leone and Guinea, west Africa, where it inhabits dense leaf litter and root tangles in soft, acidic water.

In the aquarium this species demands careful attention to water quality, requiring very soft, slightly acidic conditions and stable parameters. It is a peaceful, secretive species best kept in groups in a dedicated nano or species tank rather than a general community, where it may be outcompeted for food by larger inhabitants.

Its extreme rarity in the hobby — it is only occasionally exported from West Africa — makes it a highly sought acquisition for specialists, and any available captive-bred stock should be given the highest priority.

Water: 22–26°C, pH 6.0–7.0, soft (GH 1–8, KH 1–5); peat filtration or RO water beneficial. Tank: 40 L minimum for a group; leaf litter, fine-branched driftwood, Java moss; low flow and subdued lighting. Feeding: Micro sinking pellets, frozen daphnia, baby brine shrimp, microworms; small food items essential. Breeding: Not documented in captivity; presumed cave or leaf litter spawner. Compatibility: Keep only with very small, peaceful species such as nano tetras and small rasboras; avoid any larger tankmates.