How to care for Jumping Characin
The Jumping Characin, scientifically known as Pyrrhulina brevipinnis, is a small, colorful fish native to the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America. These fish are often found in the slow-moving rivers and streams of Brazil and Colombia, where they thrive in well-planted, peaceful environments. The Jumping Characin gets its name from its unique behavior: it is known to leap out of the water when startled, making it an exciting species to observe in an aquarium. Growing to an average size of 2-3 inches (5-8 cm), the Jumping Characin is suitable for smaller tanks, with a minimum tank size of 20 gallons (76 liters). Providing plenty of plants and hiding spots in the tank is important to mimic its natural environment and ensure it feels secure.
The Jumping Characin is an omnivorous species, feeding on a variety of foods, including small insects, invertebrates, and plant matter. In captivity, they can be fed high-quality flake food, pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. It is essential to offer a varied diet to ensure they receive proper nutrition, supporting their active and vibrant lifestyle. These fish are generally peaceful and will scavenge for food throughout the tank, which helps keep the environment clean.
While Jumping Characins are typically calm, they can display bursts of energetic behavior, especially when startled, which may include jumping out of the water. This behavior makes them particularly fascinating to watch but also means that a well-secured tank is necessary to prevent them from escaping. They do well in a community setting with other peaceful fish. The stocking ratio should be maintained with about 1-2 Jumping Characins per tank and a male-to-female ratio of 1-2 M:F to encourage natural behavior and prevent over-crowding.
Water conditions are key to keeping the Jumping Characin healthy. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water, with a PH range of 6.0 to 7.5, and a temperature of 75-80°F (24-27°C). These fish also thrive in soft to moderately hard water, so maintaining a water hardness range of 5-12 dGH is crucial. Regular water changes and proper filtration are essential to maintain the water quality, as the Jumping Characin is sensitive to poor water conditions.
The Jumping Characin has a life span of 3-5 years with proper care. Its colorful appearance, energetic behavior, and peaceful nature make it a popular choice for community tanks. With adequate space, proper diet, and stable water conditions, the Jumping Characin can live a healthy and active life, providing enjoyment to aquarists who appreciate small, dynamic species.
Jumping Characin is a fascinating aquarium fish that stands out with its vibrant colors. It belongs to the family Lebiasinidae and is native to the South America.
This species has a care level of Moderate and requires a minimum tank size of 57 Litres (15 US G.). It typically reaches a size of 3-4 cm (1.2-1.6").
Preferred water parameters include a specific gravity (sg) of Freshwater, pH ranging from 6.0 - 8.0, and a temperature between 25 -28 °C (77-82.4°F). Additionally, maintaining water hardness within the range of 5-12 °d is essential.
For stocking, the recommended ratio is 1:2 M:F. The Jumping Characin is widely available and has a diverse diet that includes OmnivorePellet FoodsFlake FoodsLive Foods.
With a life span of 5-8 years, this species is known for its very easy care requirements. It is an ideal choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists. Providing a well-maintained tank environment with suitable water conditions will ensure the health and vibrancy of this captivating species.
