Care guide · Freshwater · fish
Half-banded pyrrhulina
Pyrrhulina laeta
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Pyrrhulina laeta is a medium-sized South American fish in the family Lebiasinidae, not a tiny pencilfish. Its half-length dark body band is a useful clue, but related species can look similar. It forages close to the surface and may prey on very small tankmates. Plan a spacious, covered aquarium with appropriately sized companions. Males may become territorial around breeding, so provide cover and retreat routes. Ask about provenance and check that every fish feeds actively. Also inspect fins and less dominant individuals.
Plan your aquarium →At a glance
- Temperature
- 23–27 °C
- pH
- 5.8–7.0
- GH
- 2–8 °dGH
- Aquarium length
- At least 80 cm
- Minimum aquarium volume
- At least 80 L
- Adult size
- At least 7.6 cm
- Group size
- At least 5 individuals
- Temperament
- Peaceful
About this species
FishBase and Aquarist Atlas list about 7.6 cm standard length. Aquarium Glaser reports males may reach roughly 12 cm including the tail; that is a different measurement convention. The body is elongated and descriptions note a dark band that does not continue along the full flank. For reliable identification, compare several features on the whole fish.Natural habitat
The species is recorded from the western Amazon region. Eschmeyer’s Catalog of Fishes confirms the accepted name and broad region, while exact distribution details vary among hobby sources. Do not treat a country of origin as proof of one precise biotope or invent a local community assemblage.Aquarium and layout
Aquacalc recommends at least 80 cm aquarium length and about 80 litres for a group of five or more. This is a lower bound from a secondary aquarium source, not a universal guarantee. A larger tank gives extra room if males defend small territories in breeding condition. Fit a secure lid because surface fish can jump. Plant the back and sides, leave swimming space and add surface cover.Water conditions
Aquarist Atlas, drawing on FishBase values, lists 23–27°C, pH 5.8–7 and GH 2–8 dH. Other trade and aquarium sources give different figures, so we avoid presenting a false precise optimum. Keep conditions stable and acclimate new fish gradually. Rapid pH correction is not a safe substitute for careful acclimation.Behaviour and group size
Aquarium Glaser describes the species as peaceful outside breeding condition, although males may become territorial then. Very small fish can be viewed as prey. Choose tankmates by adult size, behaviour, swimming zone and feeding competition; tiny shrimp or fry are not automatically safe companions. Overlapping water values alone are insufficient evidence for co-housing.Feeding
Pyrrhulina laeta is a carnivore that takes insects and small invertebrates at the surface. Suitable examples include Daphnia, brine shrimp and Cyclops, live or frozen. Fine floating foods may be taken, while fast-sinking pieces can be missed. Check that all fish feed and remove leftovers.Breeding
Aquarium Glaser describes eggs laid on the upper surface of a broad leaf, with the male guarding them until hatching. Other secondary accounts describe adhesive eggs near the waterline; details may vary. A separate mature breeding tank with broad leaves allows closer control. Fry need suitably fine first foods; do not promise a fixed egg count or success.Sources & review
This care guide draws on several specialist sources and was last checked on .
View the sources
- Aquarist Atlas — Pyrrhulina laeta — species parameters, diet, surface feeding and reproduction
- FishBase — Pyrrhulina laeta — accepted name, size, distribution and ecology
- California Academy of Sciences — Eschmeyer’s Catalog of Fishes — accepted name and distribution
- Aquarium Glaser — Pyrrhulina laeta — size convention, temperament and breeding notes
- Aquacalc — Charutinho laeta — tank length, group size and care summary