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Freshwater   Fishes

Sierra Leone dwarf characin
(Ladigesia roloffi)

Sierra Leone dwarf characin

Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)

Names

Scientific name
Ladigesia roloffi

Common name
Sierra Leone dwarf characin
Jellybean tetra

Origin

what are its countries of origin?

Origin: West Africa (Sierra Leone and Liberia)
Biotope: Tropical river Africa

Dimorphism

what are the physical differences between males and females?

Behavioural: During the breeding season, males are much more active and lively than females. Physical: the male's anal fin is extended into a lobe unlike the female's where it remains straight.

Group

Group

Alestidae

Volume

what is the minimum volume for this species?

80 L / 18 imp gal / 21 US gal

Parameters

what are the water parameters for the maintenance of this fish?

T°: 22 à 26°C or 72 to 79°F
pH: 6 to 7
Hardness: 2 to 10°dGH

Difficulty

Difficulty

Easy

Size

what is the maximum size of this fish?

2.8 to 3.2cm (0.8 to 1.2")

Longevity

what is the average Longevity of this fish?

3 to 5 years

Living zone

in which area of the aquarium does this fish live?

Middle

Individuals

sociability of the species

10

Food

How to feed the Ladigesia roloffi?

Food

How to feed the Ladigesia roloffi?

Easy to feed, this omnivorous fish accepts traditional food (granules, flakes, flakes...). In order to promote a beautiful colouring but above all a solid health, it is recommended to vary its meals with fresh or frozen prey (daphnia, artemia, grindal worm...).

Make sure that the food offered is adapted to the size of his small mouth.

Behavior

What kind of behavior does the Ladigesia roloffi have?

Behavior

What kind of behavior does the Ladigesia roloffi have?

Despite its small size, the Ladigesia roloffi is very lively and active.

Cohabitation

Who can live with the Ladigesia roloffi?

Cohabitation

Who can live with the Ladigesia roloffi?

Very gregarious, school maintenance is an essential condition for the well-being of this small fish. A group of 10 specimens is the minimum required to satisfy this gregarious instinct.

Ideally, you will keep this species in a specific aquarium to get the most out of it. Nevertheless, in the case of a community aquarium, you can add other small Grouse or Cyprinidae, Gouramis, Killies, Catfish... On the river cichlid side, there is the possibility of association with Pelvicachromis. In general, this species can be associated with all fish of the same size, with similar environmental needs, and that the sustained activity of Ladigesia will not disturb.

Breeding

How to breed the Ladigesia roloffi?

Breeding

How to breed the Ladigesia roloffi?

The reproduction of this species in captivity is possible even if it remains rare. This will mainly depend on the water parameters. Here are precisely the recommended parameters: pH at 6/6.2, GH at 4 or less. Under these conditions, a few fry could appear in the general aquarium but for a higher yield, a more controlled approach is better.

To do this, prepare a small aquarium specially dedicated to breeding. Put a layer of peat on the bottom and cover it with a fine-mesh grid to protect the eggs from parental predation. Plant abundantly.

Prepare the adults for spawning by offering them plenty of live prey. When evening comes, isolate them in the spawning box. Egg laying should take place the next morning. If not, continue to feed them live prey and add slightly cooler, softer water.

After egg-laying, the females are thinner. It is time to remove the fish from the rearing aquarium.

The eggs are laid close to the ground and incubate for 24 to 36 hours depending on the temperature. Feed them as soon as they are free-swimming (within a week of hatching). They are very sensitive to variations in water parameters. If possible, do not change the water in their aquarium during the first weeks of their life.

Fry feeding: fine plankton and microscopic food for 15 days, then artemia nauplias.

Its aquarium

Which aquarium for the Ladigesia roloffi?

Its aquarium

Which aquarium for the Ladigesia roloffi?

In its natural environment, this species evolves in dark tea-coloured waters. To recreate these conditions in an aquarium, dim the lighting (e.g. with floating plants) and filter through peat. You can also use dried tree leaves (oak, beech, catappa) to form a litter particularly beneficial to your small ecosystem (alder fruit is also suitable).

The choice of plants should be made in relation to the low lighting in an aquarium in Ladigesia. Choose plants with low light requirements such as Microsorum, Taxiphyllum or Cryptocoryne. Install roots and branches of driftwood to structure your decor. Dark sandy soil will bring out the beautiful colours of your fish and make them feel secure.

Because of their restless temperament, these fish like large, free-swimming areas.

Finally, cover your aquarium well as it is an excellent jumper!

Good To know

Find all additional information!

Good To know

Find all additional information!

It is somewhat fragile and should therefore be entrusted to aquarists who already have some experience. Indeed, it does not stand up well to maintenance gaps and variations in water parameters. It must therefore be introduced into stable and mature aquariums.

This African grouse is a monospecific species, i.e. it is the only representative of its genus.

Because of the damage inflicted on its restricted natural environment, this fish is endangered. As a result, all specimens sold for aquarium trade are farmed.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

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