Goldstriped Characin

About

The Goldstriped Characin (Creagrutus beni) is a modestly sized South American tetra relative that doesn't get nearly the attention it deserves in the hobby. In the wild it hails from the upper Madeira River basin in northeastern Bolivia, with populations also reported further south into Argentina. A range that hints at some adaptability to varying conditions. It's a slender, active fish with the warm metallic flank coloration that gives it its common name, and like many small characins it shows best when kept in a proper group. Being a schooling species, a lone individual tends to be shy and washed out, but a shoal of eight or more will become noticeably bolder and more active throughout the tank. Temperament is genuinely peaceful, making it a reasonable candidate for a community setup with other similarly sized, non-aggressive fish. The intermediate care rating likely reflects its preference for softer, slightly acidic water rather than any particular fussiness about feeding. It accepts a varied omnivore diet without much trouble. It's not a species you'll find at every shop, but for the fishkeeper who tracks one down, it's a rewarding and understated little shoaling fish.