King Fetahertail Sakura

A rose-hued despot ruling high-pH waters with outsized aggression.

King Rose Sakura, 4–5cm, is a striking high-pH ornamental with a bold, territorial attitude — a rewarding choice for experienced keepers running a dedicated hard-water set-up.

• Water conditions: King Rose Sakura thrives in hard, alkaline water that mirrors the mineral-rich lakes it was developed for. Aim for a pH of 7.8–8.6, general hardness (GH) of 10–20 dGH and carbonate hardness (KH) of 6–12 to keep pH buffered and stable. Temperature should sit between 24–27°C with minimal fluctuation; a reliable heater paired with a controller is well worth the investment. Ammonia and nitrite must read zero at all times, and nitrates should be kept below 20ppm through generous filtration and regular partial water changes. Run a filter rated above your tank volume, add surface agitation for oxygen saturation and keep flow moderate but not blasting. Never allow this fish to sit in soft, acidic or freshly buffered water — gradual drip acclimation over 45–60 minutes is essential when introducing it to a new system. Stability matters far more than chasing a perfect number, so test regularly and avoid sudden shifts in pH or temperature.
• Tank size and aquascaping: A single specimen needs a footprint of at least 90cm and roughly 120 litres, with an extra 40 litres added for each additional fish. Build the aquascape around territory: a fine sand or gravel substrate, stacked rockwork forming caves and crevices, and broken sight lines that let subordinate fish retreat. Terracotta pots, ceramic caves and driftwood structures all work well, and heavier planting helps break aggression lines, though soft plants may be rearranged. Use a tight-fitting lid — these fish can be surprisingly capable jumpers when startled. Keep the layout open enough for swimming at the front, dense enough for cover at the back.
• Suitable tank mates: Because King Rose Sakura is aggressive and territorial, tank mates must be chosen with care. The safest companions are robust, hard-water species of similar size and temperament that can hold their own without becoming a target. Avoid slow-moving, long-finned or small fish, and never house this species with ornamental shrimp, snails or delicate nano fish that will be treated as food or harassment. Mixing it with other similarly shaped or similarly coloured species often invites constant conflict, so choose contrast over resemblance. Bottom-dwelling species should only be added in a large, well-structured tank with plenty of escape routes. If keeping multiple specimens, a single male with several females in a generously sized system works far better than several males. Quarantine every new addition for two to four weeks before introduction.
• Feeding habits: King Rose Sakura is an opportunistic omnivore with an enthusiastic appetite. A high-quality sinking or slow-sinking pellet should form the staple diet, supplemented with spirulina and algae-based foods to support digestion and natural colour. Offer frozen or live mysis, brine shrimp and bloodworm two to three times weekly as a protein boost, and include blanched vegetable matter such as spinach, courgette or peas for fibre. Feed small portions twice daily, ensuring everything is cleared within two minutes, and include one fasting day per week to maintain digestive health. Avoid overfeeding with high-protein foods alone, as this can lead to bloating and excess waste. Because this species is boisterous at feeding time, scatter food across the tank rather than dropping it in one spot so weaker tank mates get their share.
• Care requirements: Perform a 25–30% water change weekly using pre-buffered water of matching temperature and hardness, and vacuum the substrate to remove trapped debris. Keep an eye on aggression levels — if one fish is being persistently cornered, rearrange the rockwork to reset territories. Inspect fins and scales regularly for damage, and act quickly at the first sign of infection, as minor wounds can escalate in a territorial set-up. Keep a separate hospital or quarantine tank ready. Observe appetite daily; a King Rose Sakura that stops feeding is usually signalling a water quality, temperature or stress issue. Given stable conditions, this is a hardy, long-lived and deeply rewarding fish whose colour and personality only improve with correct high-pH husbandry.