Red Prochilodus small Semaprochilodus Teaniatus

🟥 Semaprochilodus taeniurus – Red Prochilodus Care Guide

The Red Prochilodus (Semaprochilodus taeniurus), also called the Flagtail Prochilodus, is a hardy, river-dwelling fish from South America recognized for its bold, red-tipped fins and striped tail. Though often sold at small sizes, this species can grow fairly large and is best suited for spacious aquariums with strong filtration and plenty of swimming room. Peaceful, schooling, and active, it’s a great fit for South American community tanks with other robust species.

🐟 Species Overview

• Scientific Name: Semaprochilodus taeniurus

• Common Names: Red Prochilodus, Flagtail Prochilodus, Redtail Prochilodus

• Origin: Amazon and Orinoco River Basins (Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela)

• Adult Size: 10–12 inches (25–30 cm)

• Lifespan: 8–10 years

• Temperament: Peaceful, schooling fish

• Swimming Level: Mid to bottom

• Activity: Active during the day; needs space to swim

🏡 Aquarium Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons for adults

• Tank Shape: Long tanks preferred with ample open swimming space

• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel

• Décor:

  • Driftwood, large rocks, and hardy plants

  • Open swimming areas are essential

• Lighting: Moderate

• Water Flow: Moderate to strong current—mimics riverine environments

• Filtration: Heavy-duty filtration required due to high activity and bioload

💡 They are messy eaters and produce a lot of waste—maintain a powerful and well-maintained filter system.

💧 Water Parameters

• Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)

• pH Range: 6.0–7.5

• Hardness: 3–12 dGH

• TDS: 100–250 ppm

• Water Changes: 30–50% weekly

🧪 Frequent water changes help support their fast metabolism and vibrant fin coloration.

🍽️ Diet & Feeding

Red Prochilodus are herbivorous detritivores in the wild. In aquariums, they require a fiber-rich, plant-based diet.

• Staple Foods:

  • Algae wafers

  • Spirulina-based sinking pellets

• Supplemental Foods:

  • Blanched spinach, lettuce, zucchini, peas

  • Occasional bloodworms or brine shrimp as a protein supplement

• Feeding Frequency: 2–3 small meals per day

⚠️ This species grazes constantly in the wild—underfeeding can lead to stress and poor color.

🤝 Compatibility & Tankmates

• Ideal Tankmates:

  • Large peaceful fish: Severums, Silver Dollars, Geophagus, angelfish

  • Armored catfish like Plecos or Loricariids

• Avoid:

  • Small fish that may be intimidated by their activity

  • Fin-nippers or aggressive cichlids

💡 Keep them in groups of 3 or more if space allows. Solo individuals may become shy or stressed.

🐣 Breeding Notes

Breeding Semaprochilodus taeniurus in captivity is extremely rare, as they typically migrate and spawn in flooded river systems.

• Spawning Behavior: Unknown in aquariums

• Requirements: Large group, seasonal water changes, flowing water, and high oxygen levels

• Best Practices: Focus on long-term care and environmental enrichment, rather than breeding

📌 Most available specimens are wild-caught or bred in large-scale export farms in South America.

📝 Quick Reference Summary

🔧 Tips for Success

• Use driftwood and natural decor to create a river-like feel

• Feed fiber-rich diets to avoid bloating and digestive issues

• Maintain very high oxygen levels, especially at higher temperatures

• Provide a tight-fitting lid—they are powerful jumpers when startled