Order Characiformes
Family Distichodontidae
Genus Neolebias
A characteristic feature of the genus is the absence of an adipose fin; there are no scales on the caudal fin, and the upper jaw is toothless. The dorsal fin is rectangular, and the caudal fin is deeply notched. The fish belonging to this genus are not particularly attractive in color, but they prove to be very peaceful inhabitants of so-called “African” aquariums. They should be kept in the company of peaceful related species. The fish only accept food of appropriate sizes.
— Ansorge’s Neolebias — Neolebias ansorgii [Boulenger, 1912]. Synonym: Neolebias landgrafi, ansorgei, Nannaethiops geisleri. Found exclusively in the mouth area of the Congo River. 4 cm. They have a slightly elongated body, strongly compressed laterally, with evenly arched dorsal and ventral profiles; the lateral line is incomplete. The mouth is very small. The yellowish-greenish body color forms a sharp contrast with the red fins. The coloration of males varies greatly depending on maintenance conditions.
The main coloration of the male is brownish-red, the back is olive-brown, and the lower part of the body is yellowish. However, when viewed in an aquarium, their body color appears greenish with a sheen. A wide dark blue to intense green longitudinal stripe runs along the entire body, bordered above by a thin luminous line.
The dorsal fin is rectangular in shape. There is a dark spot at the base of the caudal fin. The anal fin is red with a narrow dark margin; the pelvic fins are also red. The dorsal and caudal fins are cream-colored, and the pectoral fins are colorless. Females differ from males by a more delicate coloration; they are broader than males, and their belly is larger.
Peaceful, sluggish. Aquariums with lush vegetation. In a community aquarium, they are timid and hide in thickets, and their coloration fades. They stay in small groups near the bottom, moving from one bush to another in search of food. The fish likes shaded areas, most often hiding under plant bushes. Lighting is not very strong, diffused. The coloration is most magnificent under weak lighting and on a dark substrate.
At mature age, they are sensitive to changes in water composition. Old, soft water, occasionally replaced in small portions, suits these fish best. They tolerate hard water (up to 8°) and frequent water changes poorly. In hard water, they become pale, the belly coloration and green stripe become dull and inconspicuous, and they never acquire the true charm of their colors. Due to their very small mouth, Neolebias require food of appropriate sizes. They mature at 7 months. The roe is usually visible in the female before spawning. Females spawn in the rhizome of the Java fern (or similar plants). Fry grow slowly and unevenly. At three months, they can be distinguished by sex. pH 6.5-7.5; dH 4-12°; T 20-24°C.
— Threeline Tetra — Neolebias trilineatus [Boulenger, 1899]. Synonym: Neolebias, Nannaethiops tritaeniatus. Upper Congo. 4 cm. Light beige with a pink longitudinal stripe (orange-red in dominant males) and three thin black lines along the body. There is a dark dot at the base of the tail. Males are slimmer, more brightly colored, especially during the breeding period.
Peaceful, do not keep with active and aggressive fish. Choose small American tetras that inhabit the middle or upper part of the tank as neighbors. The aquarium should have dense vegetation, preferably with floating plants as cover, since this species does not like bright lighting. The male spends most of its time in the lower layers of the aquarium, where it establishes and defends a territory from conspecifics.
Dark substrate with a few small pieces of wood to provide hiding places. Not demanding regarding water composition. Can live in soft, slightly acidic water as well as in relatively hard water with an alkaline reaction. Water movement should be kept to a minimum. Feed with live or frozen food; flakes and pellets are eaten reluctantly. Sexual maturity after 6 months. pH 6.0-7.5; dH 6-12°; T 22-26°C.
Thoracocharax stellatus, secures.
Nannocharax brevis, fasciatus, parvus. 
