Hingemouth Care Guide

The Hingemouth is a captivating aquatic entity that requires careful attention to its environmental needs, social behavior, and dietary preferences to thrive in a home aquarium.

Tank Setup

The Hingemouth prefers a tank environment that supports a range of tank habitats. It is adaptable as a surface dweller, mid-tank dweller, and bottom dweller, which provides flexibility in tank setup. It's essential to choose a tank that can accommodate their schooling nature, with a minimum school size of five Hingemouths. Each fish requires at least 10 liters of water, so plan the tank size accordingly. Maintain a water temperature between 24°C and 28°C, and ensure the pH level is stable between 6.0 and 7.5. The Hingemouth exhibits mildly territorial behavior, so providing ample space and hiding spots can help minimize territorial disputes.

Water Parameters

The ideal pH range for the Hingemouth is between 6.0 to 7.5. Keeping the temperature consistent at 24°C to 28°C is crucial, as they are resilient, but sudden fluctuations can cause stress.

Behavior and Compatibility

Hingemouths are social, very peaceful, and playful fish, making them suitable companions in community tanks. They are mildly territorial, but generally get along well with other non-aggressive species. During breeding, their aggression may increase slightly, so it’s important to monitor their behavior closely if breeding is intended.

Feeding

Variety in diet is key to maintaining the Hingemouth's health. They accept a wide range of food, including flakes, pellets, and freeze-dried foods. For protein sources, bloodworms, brine shrimp, tubifex worms, and daphnia are excellent choices. They also appreciate frozen shrimp, micro worms, feeder fish, and providing algae wafers, vegetable matter, and stick-on tablets ensures they meet their nutritional needs. Offering color-enhancing food can help in bringing out the best hues in their appearance.

Maintenance Level

The Hingemouth requires moderate maintenance, reflecting its resilient nature. Regular water changes, tank cleaning, and monitoring of water conditions are necessary to maintain a healthy environment. These tasks will ensure a vibrant, thriving aquarium that supports the well-being of the Hingemouth.

The Hingemouth, while classified as uncommon in terms of rarity, enjoys moderate popularity among aquarists for its unique blend of resilience, social compatibility, and captivating behavior. Adhering to these care guidelines will enable you to maintain a harmonious and lively aquarium with your Hingemouth companions.