Water parameters
Overview
The sailfin characin is the best-known member of the family Crenuchidae. Its body is brown-gold and there is a black spot on the caudal peduncle. As males mature, their dorsal and anal fins grow like sails and are decorated with orange, red and dark spots. Unlike most tetras, it shows parental care: the female lays her eggs on the ceiling of a cave or under a leaf, and the male guards them. It is a blackwater species that needs soft, acidic water.
Tank Setup
- At least 80 liters for a pair or one male and two females.
- 24–28°C, pH 5–6.5, very soft water.
- Roots, leaf litter, small caves and dim light.
- Mature, clean water and gentle flow.
Diet
Carnivorous. It prefers frozen and live bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia and mosquito larvae; some individuals come to accept dry food over time.
Behavior and Compatibility
Calm but territorial; males fight among themselves. It preys on small fish and shrimp that fit in its mouth.
Good companions: calm species of similar size: corydoras, medium-sized tetras such as bleeding heart tetras, spotted headstanders, blackwater dwarf cichlids.
Avoid: small tetras such as neons, shrimp, active and greedy species.
A short profile for this species
The Sailfin Characin page has the basics, but the sections below have not been written yet. If you keep this species, write a section from your own experience; it will be published under your name after editor approval.
Tank mates
This list is calculated automatically from the species profile and grows as new species are added to the catalog. Try it in the planner for a definite answer.
Usually compatible
Emerald Betta
Emerald Cory
Porthole Catfish
Keyhole Cichlid
Cupid Cichlid
Geophagus altifrons
Geophagus surinamensis
Threadfin Acara
Cryptocoryne Parva
Should not be kept together
Hobbyist notes
Things you won't find in books, learned by trial and error. The most helpful ones are on top.
Change history and contributors
- Page created · October 16, 2026