Cardinal Brachyrhaphis

Brachyrhaphis roseni

Cardinal Brachyrhaphis is a all-zone swimmer.

Semi-AggressiveAll-zone swimmerIntermediate – Advanced

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Need help with Cardinal Brachyrhaphis?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm)
Aquarium size: 30 US gal (112 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Swimming zone: All-zone swimmer
Temperature: 70–86°F (21–30°C)
pH: 6.5–8
GH: 5–20 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 3 years

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.

Lifespan: up to 3 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 30 US gal (112 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 21–30 °C, pH 6.5–8, GH 5–20 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Cardinal Brachyrhaphis needs careful companion choice because it can be territorial or semi-aggressive.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses multiple areas of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Cardinal Brachyrhaphis should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 30 US gal (112 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Costa Rica Panama.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

American Flagfish Jordanella floridae Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 64–75°F (18–24°C) African Banded Barb Barbus fasciolatus Similar care level Same swimming zone Similar diet Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Black-Bellied Limia Limia melanogaster Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Amazon Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma pertensis Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 1.5" (≤ 3.9 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C) Adolfos Catfish Hoplisoma adolfoi Similar care level Bottom dweller Similar diet Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Araguaia Corydoras Hoplisoma araguaiaense Similar care level Bottom dweller Similar diet Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Cardinal Brachyrhaphis get?

Cardinal Brachyrhaphis reaches ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm).

What aquarium size does Cardinal Brachyrhaphis need?

Use an aquarium of at least 30 US gal (112 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.

Is Cardinal Brachyrhaphis peaceful?

Cardinal Brachyrhaphis needs more careful companion choice because the temperament data points toward boundaries, space, or similar-sized fish.

What temperature is suitable for Cardinal Brachyrhaphis?

Keep it between 21 to 30 °C.