Short-lined Pyrrhulina
Pyrrhulina brevis
Also known as: short pyrrhulina
A compact Amazonian predator with surprising personality for its size.
About
The short-lined pyrrhulina (Pyrrhulina brevis) is a small but feisty characid from the Amazon River basin, where it inhabits the kind of soft, often acidic blackwater and clearwater streams that much of South America is famous for. Adults top out somewhere between under two inches and just over three, so this isn't a fish that dominates a tank by sheer size. It makes up for that with attitude. Despite one source characterizing it as peaceful, the consensus leans toward calling this species aggressive, and keepers should plan accordingly when choosing tankmates. Robust, similarly sized fish that can hold their own are a safer bet than anything delicate or slow-moving. Like most pyrrhulinas, it tends to occupy the middle of the water column and is an omnivore that will take a range of prepared and live or frozen foods without much fuss. The wide pH tolerance listed for this species is noteworthy. It suggests decent adaptability to varied water conditions, though keeping things on the softer and slightly acidic side is likely closer to what it encounters at home. This is probably not the right pick for a community setup centered around timid species, but for someone who wants a characterful, active small fish with a genuine wild feel, it has a lot to offer.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Short-lined Pyrrhulina
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Short-lined Pyrrhulina get?
- The Short-lined Pyrrhulina reaches about 1.5–3" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Short-lined Pyrrhulina need?
- A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for the Short-lined Pyrrhulina, with more room needed for a proper group.
- What water parameters does the Short-lined Pyrrhulina need?
- The Short-lined Pyrrhulina does best with a temperature of 73–82°F, a pH of 5.2–8.5, hardness around 6–20 dGH.
- Is the Short-lined Pyrrhulina aggressive?
- The Short-lined Pyrrhulina is semi-aggressive. It can work in a community with careful tankmate choices and enough space.
- What does the Short-lined Pyrrhulina eat?
- The Short-lined Pyrrhulina is an omnivore. It does well on a varied diet of quality flake or pellet plus occasional frozen or live foods.
- How long does the Short-lined Pyrrhulina live?
- With good care, the Short-lined Pyrrhulina typically lives 3-5 years.