Hypsolebias gardneri

For breeding purposes, the aquarium size should be at least 15 – 20 liters for a pair or a trio. This fish is not aggressive, although there might be an occasional aggressive male that might need to be separated from the group. Hypsolebias gardneri are quite prolific spawners if conditioned and fed well on live foods. These fish are substrate divers when spawning. The layer of peat needs to be at least 4 – 5 cm or even deeper if you want the fish to feel comfortable while spawning. Peat moss or coir is the preferred medium, but any other suitable type of spawning substrate can be used. The eggs are small in size, from 0.6 to 0.8 mm, and can withstand much abuse. The eggs are not adhesive and can be seen in the substrate with a bit of effort.

Please note that the eggs incubation period of this species can be as long as 5 – 10 months and even longer, depending on the incubating temperature, substrate moisture, and other factors. You need to be patient and to check the eggs every 2 – 3 weeks for their development. You may need to re-wet them several times in a few weeks’ periods. You may have some eggs of this species with an incubation period over a year with a good hatch rate thereafter. Wet the eggs only when they are fully developed. When you hatch the eggs do frequent water changes for increased fry growth rates. The fry are small in size and should be fed with Infusoria or Turbatrix aceti (Vinegar Eels) at birth. If you change the water as recommended and diversify fry’s food, they can be sexed out in about 4 to 6 weeks, and ready to breed at 8 – 9 weeks. The fishes can grow up to approximately 3 – 4 cm. Providing correct conditions the life span is around 12 – 18 months. Recommended water parameters: 0 – 5 dGH, pH 6.5 – 7.0, 22°C – 24°C. This species requires moderate lighting and live foods. Always monitor the fish condition, they are quite susceptible to bacterial attack. Their water has to be clean all the time. Perform 30% water changes weekly. This species can be successfully bred and maintained as long as you act in accordance with all the recommendations. The eggs and/or fish can be ordered at AquaFood online shop.