Red Tail Hemiodus
Red Tail Hemiodus
Red Tail Hemiodus (Hemiodus gracilis) is a sleek, fast-swimming characin with a distinctive red to orange-red caudal fin — vivid against the silver body with a dark lateral stripe. Hemiodus are active, schooling fish from South America with a torpedo-shaped body adapted for fast water.
Feeding & Care Tip: Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes and Hikari Micro Pellets make excellent daily staples. Supplement with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms and Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp 2–3 times per week.
Native to rivers and streams of the Amazon and Orinoco basins. Active, fast-swimming fish that need a long tank with good flow. Provide good oxygenation and regular water changes.
Keep in groups of at least six. Active and peaceful with larger tankmates. May fin-nip very slow-moving species. Compatible with medium-to-large peaceful South American community fish.
A vivid and dynamic schooling fish that adds color and movement to large South American community aquariums.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful — active schooling |
| Typical Adult Size | 6.0 inches (15 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 6 minimum |
| Ideal Temp | 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 2–12 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 0–6 dKH |
| Staple Food | Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes; Hikari Micro Pellets |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp |
| Origin | Amazon and Orinoco basins, South America |
| Notes | Red-orange caudal fin on silver body with dark stripe. Active fast swimmer. May fin-nip slow-moving species. Groups of 6+. |
