Hemiodus?

[dzapp]

Hi everyone;

Long ago in an 80 gal hex, I had a number of hemiodus. They were quite common in stores; I saw them all the time. Great little characins (4-6" long), shy but fun. They wouldn't outgrow a tank the way a bala shark will.

20 years later, they seemed to have fallen off the edge of the earth (swam off, presumably.) When I ask at the LFS, or even the big places (PetSmart etc.) no one has a clue what I'm talking about.

Any thoughts?

 

[Lateral Line]

There are several species of Hemiodus. They are generally similar though, long slender fish growing over 100mm and extremely skittish, easily bullied/frightened and jump at the slightest provocation. Many of those features make them less then desirable for the average aquarist.

Wherever I've lived, I would not say they were commonly available, rather a fish you saw from time to time. Like you, it is years since I last saw them however.

A hex is not ideal for fish like that, they prefer a long tank with plenty of swimming space for fast getaways.