Peaceful, small bottom-dweller that should be kept in a school of at least 8-10. The aquarium should be planted on the sides and background preferably with fine leaved plants. A part of the bottom of the aquarium should be free and should be sandy because they like to search after food in it and their tender barbels are easily damaged. You can keep them together with other small, peaceful fishes.

They like small live and dry food.

Breeding is not easy. After a large changing of the water with cooler water the eggs are laid and fertilized between fine leaved plants. After spawning the parents should be removed. When the young fishes are swimming free you can raise them with vinegar eels and baby brine shrimp, and some days later with finex.

 Symbols
Legend:

Maximum
Temperature:

79°F

Minimum
Temperature:

72°F

pH
Range:

6.5 - 7

GH
Range:

5 - 8

Swimming
Level:

Water
Movement:

Community tank.
Generally peaceful.

Predator.
Generally aggressive.

Moderate to
bright light. 

Low
Light.

Moderate to heavily planted tank.

Rock, or
bogwood.

Open sand or gravel. 

Active or
surface swimmer.

Likes hideaways and cover.

Live foods,
only.

Live or
prepared foods.