Wild forms of livebearing toothcarps are generally not very widespread in aquatics. However, specialists in these fish are usually so fascinated by them that they cannot get enough of them. One of the most beautiful species is Brachyrhaphis roseni, which originates from forest streams in Panama and Costa Rica. While keeping adult fish – females grow up to 6 cm long, males always remain considerably smaller – does not pose any significant difficulties, effective breeding is a real challenge, as these animals are extremely cannibalistic. Attempts to keep the females in spawning boxes fail because the animals are far too nervous. However, one of our breeders has now cracked the species, so we can once again offer some adolescent B. roseni.
B. roseni should be kept in a school; the fish are very surface-oriented. Smaller cichlids, nimble tetras, catfish, etc. are suitable as companions. It is better not to keep other livebearers with B. roseni, as they can be quite rough with similar fish.
Incidentally, juvenile females are very similar in color to the males and are much more colorful than fully grown animals. Both sexes have a “pregnancy spot.”
For our customers: the animals have code 408123 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply wholesale.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
