Red Flagtail

The Red Flagtail (Semaprochilodus taeniurus), also known as the Silver Flagtail Prochilodus, is a unique and active freshwater fish known for its striking red-tipped tail and peaceful nature. It is a popular choice for larger community tanks due to its ability to coexist with a variety of species.

Scientific Name:

Semaprochilodus taeniurus

Maximum Size:

• Can grow up to 12-14 inches (30-35 cm) in captivity.

Native Region:

• Found in South America, primarily in the Amazon River basin, including Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, and Peru.
• Prefers slow-moving waters, floodplains, and areas with dense vegetation.

Diet (Carnivorous or Omnivorous?)

• Omnivorous, with a strong preference for plant-based foods.
• In the wild, they graze on biofilm, algae, detritus, and small invertebrates.
• In captivity, they thrive on:
  ✅ High-quality algae wafers and spirulina flakes
  ✅ Fresh vegetables (blanched zucchini, lettuce, spinach)
  ✅ Pellets and flakes with plant-based ingredients
  ✅ Occasional protein sources (bloodworms, brine shrimp)

Lifespan:

• Typically 8 to 10 years, but can live longer with proper care.

Breeding Season & Behavior:

• Breeding in captivity is extremely rare due to their migratory nature in the wild.
• In the wild, they are seasonal spawners, migrating upstream to spawn during the rainy season.
• Eggs are scattered in fast-moving waters, and fry drift downstream to grow in floodplain areas.

Best Tank Mates:

Red Flagtails are peaceful but active fish that do well in larger aquariums with:

✅ Large, peaceful cichlids (Severums, Uaru, Geophagus)
✅ Larger schooling fish (Silver Dollars, Tinfoil Barbs, Bala Sharks)
✅ Bottom dwellers (Plecos, Hoplo Catfish, Corydoras)
✅ Arowanas and Stingrays (in very large tanks)

🚫 Avoid:

• Highly aggressive cichlids (Oscars, Flowerhorns, Jack Dempseys).
• Small or slow-moving fish, as Red Flagtails are fast swimmers and may outcompete them for food.

Ideal Tank Conditions:

• Tank Size: 125 gallons minimum, but 150+ gallons is ideal.
• Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
• pH: 5.5-7.5 (prefers slightly acidic to neutral water).
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard.
• Décor: Provide driftwood, smooth rocks, and plenty of swimming space.
• Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel.
• Filtration: Requires strong filtration due to their active nature and high waste production.