Sphaerichthys osphromenoides

A compact brown body with pale vertical bands; courting females may turn rich chocolate brown with gold bands. Females have a rounder lower jaw and mouthbrood.

Adult length: Up to 5 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 26–31 °C
pH: 4–6.5
Hardness: 0–3 dGH

Avoid keeping it with S. selatanensis to reduce hybridization risk. The pH and 0–3 dGH recommendations concern wild fish; captive-bred fish may differ in adaptability.

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Social behaviour and territory

At least 6 fish and a footprint of 60×30 cm or larger with cover are recommended. Groups establish a hierarchy rather than schooling tightly.

Diet and feeding

Feeds mainly on tiny animal foods. Offer suitably sized live or frozen foods daily; newly introduced fish may refuse dry foods.

Sources