Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Live Plant Safe: No

General Description: The Flagtail Prochilodus is an eye-catching species in the aquarium trade given its size, relative hardiness and temperament. With an enormous distribution across the Amazon basin in Brazil, Flagtail prochilodus are sold typically as 2″ to 3″ inch long juveniles. They are completely silver in appearance and their caudal fin is striped, which is where they get the name ‘flagtail.’ While Flagtail prochilodus are natural shoaling fish in the wild, they often conflict in the home aquarium because it is difficult to provide adequate space for each individual given their large adult size. An adult Flagtail prochilodus can reach a size of approximately 12″. Note: Please take the time to consider the very large adult size of a Flagtail prochilodus before purchasing, as these fish are frequently returned or surrendered for “outgrowing” aquariums.

Diet Requirements: Flagtail prochilodus are omnivores. A diet made up of various high quality vegetable based and protein based flake foods, sinking micro pellet foods and bug bites are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. Some emphasis should be put on offering ample plant or algal based foods for this species. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.

Care Requirements: A minimum 55 gallon aquarium is ideal for a juvenile Flagtail prochilodus. Long term accomodations for an adult specimen will require upwards of 200 gallons or greater. Biweekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters in good condition (Nitrates < 20 ppm). An aquarium with a Flagtail prochilodus should be equipped with exceptional filtration (e.g., large power filter or canister filter), be well oxygenated and have generous water movement that can be achieved by using internal powerheads. Finally, a tight fitting lid is absolutely necessary as a Flagtail prochilodus could jump by accident. The aquarium does not need to be aquascaped with anything in particular to keep a Flagtail prochilodus happy, as open swimming space and water quality are more important. While Flagtail prochilodus are relatively peaceful, their large size and activity level makes them incompatible with slow-moving and timid fish species. Flagtail prochilodus will do well with other larger, active and relatively docile fish species. Only one Flagtail prochilodus is suggested per aquarium. Recommended water conditions, 74-82° F, KH 1-20, pH 5.5-7.5.

Purchase Size: Medium: 2-1/2” to 3”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.