Cardinal brachy

Brachyrhaphis roseni

Orange dorsal and dark scale edges, with nipping and fry-predation risks.

Males show an orange dorsal, dark scale outlines and a two-tone gonopodium. Blue sheen varies. Young females can also be colourful; both sexes have an abdominal dark mark.

Length and basis: Length unknown
Reference temperature: Unknown
Captive lifespan: Unknown (no verified lifespan adopted)
pH: Unknown
Hardness: Unknown

Borstein witnessed attacks on corydoras, male harassment and female sparring. Glaser warns of aggression toward similar livebearers. Female reports of 6 cm and 3.25 in differ and lack SL/TL. Lifespan is unknown.

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Appearance and identification

Adult females are usually plainer. Unlike the linked long-sworded, orange-striped mayae, this male has netted scales and an ordinary tail; this does not identify juveniles.

Same-species behaviour

Group keeping is advised without verified minimum count, ratio or footprint. Shelter cannot guarantee freedom from harassment.

Space requirements

Unknown; not yet verified.

Diet and feeding

Keepers report ready acceptance of flakes and pellets; natural microfauna cannot be assumed sufficient.

Compatibility limits

Importer companion suggestions conflict with a keeper's witnessed corydoras attacks. No universal compatible list is established.

Aquarium environment

Heavy planting may not save fry. Small commercial traps can stress adults; successful larger custom equipment is not evidence for ordinary breeder boxes.

Measurement notes and sources

Chicago Livebearer Society reports males at 2.5 inches and females at 3.25 inches without specifying SL or TL. Glaser separately reports females up to 6 cm and smaller males. The differing female reports are kept separate; typical adult and illustrated total length remain unknown.