Red Flag Tail Prochilodus Grade A+

Name: Red Flag Tail Prochilodus (Prochilodus mariae)

Max Size: Up to 18 inches

Water Parameters: pH 6.5-7.5, temperature 72-82°F, hardness 5-15 dGH

Diet: Herbivorous - primarily feeds on algae, plant matter, and biofilm in the wild. In an aquarium, they should be given high-quality algae wafers, spirulina, blanched vegetables, and occasionally small amounts of live or frozen foods like bloodworms.

Temperament: Generally peaceful but can be territorial, especially with conspecifics or other bottom-dwellers. Best kept in large tanks with similarly sized fish that can tolerate their energetic behavior.

Tank Setup: Provide a large, spacious tank (minimum of 100 gallons) with strong water flow to mimic their natural river habitats. A sandy substrate is preferred, along with driftwood, rocks, and sturdy plants. Ensure strong filtration and regular water changes to maintain good water quality, as they are active swimmers and can be messy.

Compatibility: Red Flag Tail Prochilodus are peaceful but may become territorial with similar-looking species. They do well with large, peaceful tank mates like large tetras, cichlids, and catfish. Avoid keeping them with very small fish that may be seen as food.

Behavior: Active and strong swimmers, Red Flag Tail Prochilodus are constantly foraging on surfaces for algae and plant matter. They are known for their impressive red tail and their ability to keep the tank clean by grazing on algae.

Fun Fact: The Red Flag Tail Prochilodus gets its name from its striking red tail, which makes it a standout fish in large freshwater aquariums. They are often kept as “cleaner” fish due to their algae-eating habits, although they require ample space and attention to water quality due to their size and activity level.