Xingu Black Neon Tetra (Moenkhausia heikoi)

A rarely seen and beautifully colored characin that was only recently described scientifically, the Xingu Black Neon Tetra (Moenkhausia heikoi) is found in the fast-moving waters of the middle Rio Xingu in Eastern Brazil. In the wild, it is found in loose schools close to rocky outcroppings and in areas of strong water movement including shallow rapids. Extremely active and well adapted for life in strong current, they should be kept in similar conditions in the aquarium. These fish will display their best coloration in softer water at temperatures between 80 – 86F and should be kept in groups of at least 5.