Featherfin Care Guide

The Featherfin, known for its vibrant colors and lively personality, is a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts. Proper care requires attention to water conditions, diet, and social dynamics in the tank. Here's a detailed guide to help you care for your Featherfin fish.

Tank Setup

The Featherfin thrives in a tank environment that replicates its natural habitat. Ensure you have at least a 200-liter tank to accommodate a small school, as each fish requires about 50 liters of water. They prefer an environment with varied levels, being both surface and bottom dwellers. Create a layered habitat with plenty of plants and hiding spots using rocks and decorations. This not only provides good shelter but also helps to reduce territorial aggression among them.

Maintain the water temperature between 24°C to 28°C, with a pH level from 6.5 to 7.5. The Featherfin prefers clean, well-oxygenated water, so regular water changes and a good filtration system are vital. It’s essential to prevent any significant fluctuations in these conditions to keep them healthy and stress-free.

Feeding

Featherfins are omnivorous and require a varied diet to keep their colors vibrant and health in check. A balanced diet can include high-quality flakes, pellets, bloodworms, brine shrimp, tubifex worms, and frozen shrimp. Supplement their diet with vegetable matter, algae wafers, and color-enhancing food to ensure they receive all necessary nutrients. Feed them small portions two to three times a day, ensuring they don’t become overfed, which can lead to water quality issues.

Social Behavior and Compatibility

This species is generally social, with a tendency to be mostly peaceful. However, they can exhibit moderate territorial behavior, particularly during breeding times when aggression and protective instinct intensify. It is advisable to house them in a minimum group of four to promote natural schooling behaviors and curb any tendencies towards loneliness-induced stress.

Breeding

Breeding Featherfin is a more advanced task due to their specific needs during spawning. Setting up a dedicated breeding tank replicates their natural habitat and can boost your chances of success. Ensuring privacy and tranquility is vital, as this species can become moderately aggressive during this period. For a detailed breeding guide, refer to the specific breeding guide that emphasizes habitat setup, water condition management, and care for fry post-hatching, which includes feeding them infusoria or commercial fry food until they grow large enough to consume bigger prey.

With the right care, the Featherfin will make a stunning and lively addition to your aquarium, delighting viewers with their vibrant displays and dynamic behavior. Regular, attentive care to their environment and dietary needs will ensure a healthy life for your Featherfin school.