Sailfin Silver Perchlet - (No Online Purchases)
Description Sailfin Silver Perchlet (Ambassis agrammus) The Sailfin Silver Perchlet is a peaceful, translucent freshwater fish admired for its delicate appearance, shimmering silver body, and elegant sail-like dorsal fin. Native to northern Australia and southern New Guinea, this attractive schooling species is an excellent choice for community aquariums, where its reflective scales and graceful swimming behaviour create a striking display. Best kept in groups, Sailfin Silver Perchlets are active yet non-aggressive fish that thrive in well-planted aquariums with plenty of open swimming space. Their semi-transparent bodies often reflect iridescent blue and silver tones under aquarium lighting, making them a unique addition to any freshwater setup. Quick Facts Common Name: Sailfin Silver Perchlet Scientific Name: Ambassis agrammus Family: Ambassidae Origin: Northern Australia and Southern New Guinea Care Level: Easy to Moderate Temperament: Peaceful, Schooling Diet: Carnivore (Micro Predator) Minimum Tank Size: 90 litres Adult Size: 6–8 cm Lifespan: 4–6 years Appearance The Sailfin Silver Perchlet has a laterally compressed, almost transparent body with a beautiful silver sheen that reflects light throughout the aquarium. Its most distinctive feature is the elongated, sail-like first dorsal fin, which gives the species its common name. Fine yellow, gold, and blue iridescence may become visible under quality lighting, while the clear fins add to its elegant appearance. Temperament Sailfin Silver Perchlets are peaceful schooling fish that should be kept in groups of at least six individuals. They become far more confident and display their natural behaviours when maintained in a school. Suitable tank mates include: Rainbowfish Peaceful Tetras Corydoras Kuhli Loaches Peaceful Gouramis Small Rasboras Other peaceful community fish Avoid keeping them with: Large aggressive cichlids Fin-nipping species Large predatory fish Boisterous species that may outcompete them for food Aquarium Requirements A well-planted aquarium with driftwood, rocks, and open swimming areas provides an ideal environment for Sailfin Silver Perchlets. A dark substrate and subdued lighting help enhance their natural silver colouration, while floating plants can provide additional security. Good filtration, gentle to moderate water flow, and regular water changes will keep them healthy. They appreciate stable water conditions and are best suited to mature aquariums. Recommended Water Parameters Temperature: 24–28°C pH: 6.8–7.8 Hardness: 5–15 dGH Maintaining stable water quality is essential for long-term health. Diet Sailfin Silver Perchlets are carnivorous micro-predators that feed on small aquatic invertebrates in the wild. Recommended foods include: High-quality micro pellets Small floating or slow-sinking granules Frozen brine shrimp Frozen mysis shrimp Daphnia Bloodworms Live blackworms (occasionally) Offering a varied diet will promote healthy growth, vibrant colouration, and successful long-term care. Behaviour These fish are active mid-water swimmers that spend much of their day schooling together. They are peaceful, inquisitive, and display their best colours and natural behaviour when kept in appropriately sized groups. During feeding they become noticeably more active but rarely show aggression towards one another. Breeding Breeding Sailfin Silver Perchlets in the home aquarium is uncommon but possible under ideal conditions. They are egg scatterers that deposit adhesive eggs among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Adults provide no parental care and may consume the eggs, so removing the breeding pair or eggs improves the chances of successfully raising fry. Why Choose Sailfin Silver Perchlets? Attractive translucent silver colouration Elegant sail-like dorsal fin Peaceful community fish Excellent schooling behaviour Native Australian species Ideal for planted aquariums Care Tips Keep Sailfin Silver Perchlets in groups of at least six to encourage natural schooling behaviour and reduce stress. Provide a mature aquarium with plenty of plants, open swimming space, and excellent water quality. Feed a varied diet of quality prepared and frozen foods, and avoid housing them with large or aggressive species to ensure they remain confident and display their best colours.