Pair (Rose Gold)

A pocket-sized rose-gold scrapper built for hard, alkaline waters.

Rose Gold is a striking, aggressive high-pH fish for experienced keepers, supplied at 4–5 cm and best kept in a robust species-specific aquarium.

• Water conditions and setup: Rose Gold demands stable, alkaline water rather than fluctuating parameters. Aim for pH 7.5–8.5, general hardness 10–20 dGH, carbonate hardness 6–12 dKH and a temperature of 24–28°C. Keep ammonia and nitrite at zero, nitrate below 20–40 ppm, and use a mature filter with strong biological media plus good surface agitation. A 120–150 litre aquarium is a sensible minimum for a young specimen, but plan for adult size and upgrade to a longer 120 cm tank if aggression develops. Use sand or smooth gravel, caves, rocks and driftwood to create territories and broken sightlines. Keep the lid secure, acclimatise by drip method, and quarantine before adding to an established system. Avoid sudden pH shifts; stable alkaline conditions matter more than chasing an exact number.
• Tank mates: This is an aggressive, territorial livestock choice, so community tanks with small or slow fish are unsuitable. Avoid guppies, neon tetras, small rasboras, long-finned fish, shrimp, snails and any fish small enough to be bullied or eaten. The safest approach is a species-specific setup or a large tank with robust, similarly sized tank mates that tolerate alkaline water and can hold their own. Suitable options may include sturdy Central American cichlids of comparable size in a generously sized aquarium, plus robust dither fish only if the tank is large and heavily structured. Do not mix pairs or multiple Rose Gold specimens unless you have space for territories and a plan for breeding aggression. Always quarantine new arrivals and monitor for fin damage, hiding or reduced feeding.
• Feeding habits: Rose Gold is an omnivorous, food-motivated fish that does best on a varied diet. Offer a high-quality cichlid pellet as the staple, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia and mysis, plus spirulina-based foods and blanched vegetables. Feed juveniles two small meals daily and adults once or twice daily, using only what is eaten within a few minutes. Overfeeding is a common cause of poor water quality, especially in high-pH systems where ammonia is more toxic. Remove uneaten food, avoid low-quality fillers, and rotate foods to support growth, colour and digestion. If a fish is shy after introduction, offer small amounts near its territory and avoid competition at feeding time.
• Care and behaviour: Expect territorial displays, chasing and potential fin-nipping, especially as the fish matures or forms a pair. Provide caves, visual barriers and separate territories, and be ready to use a tank divider if aggression escalates. Carry out weekly water changes of 25–50%, vacuum the substrate, clean mechanical media regularly and test pH, hardness, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. Keep the filter running during maintenance and use a dechlorinator suitable for alkaline water. Observe daily for white spot, fin damage, laboured breathing or loss of appetite, and act early with quarantine and expert advice. Handle only when necessary with a soft net or container; never lift fish by the body.
• Growth and long-term planning: Supplied at 4–5 cm, Rose Gold is a juvenile that will grow and become more confident and territorial with age. Plan the final aquarium around adult size rather than the current size, and avoid buying for a small tank that will need replacing within months. A larger tank with strong filtration, stable high pH and carefully chosen tank mates gives the best long-term outcome. This fish is not recommended for beginners or peaceful community aquariums; it suits experienced keepers who can manage aggression and maintain consistent water chemistry. Buy from a reputable livestock supplier, confirm compatibility before ordering, and have the quarantine or grow-out tank ready before arrival.