The Flyspeck Hardyhead is an active, slender schooling fish native to the freshwater streams and lakes of Australia. Named for the distinct rows of tiny black dots (resembling fly specks) covering its golden-bronze body, it is a highly peaceful species. They are excellent for community tanks, requiring plenty of swimming space, and offer the unique benefit of constantly grazing on algae and aquatic insects.
Flyspeck Hardyhead At a Glance
Flyspeck Hardyhead Tank Requirements
Will Flyspeck Hardyhead fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Flyspeck Hardyhead needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Flyspeck Hardyhead against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Flyspeck Hardyhead Water Parameters
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Flyspeck Hardyhead Temperament & Compatibility
Flyspeck Hardyhead Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard / Unsexed
The typical form sold in aquariums. Must be kept in schools of 6 or more to reduce stress and encourage their natural shoaling behavior.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Juvenile, Silverside
Male
Males are slightly larger than females and develop a vivid bright yellow or gold lower half during the breeding season (some regional variants develop maroon undersides).
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Breeding Male
Female
Females are slightly smaller, paler, and lack the bright yellow belly of breeding males. They possess a rounder abdomen when carrying eggs.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Flyspeck Hardyhead Care Guide Summary
The Flyspeck Hardyhead, scientifically known as Craterocephalus stercusmuscarum, belongs to the Other family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 7 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the surface and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Flyspeck Hardyhead requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 22°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6–8 and a general hardness of 5–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Flyspeck Hardyhead is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 3 varieties: Standard / Unsexed, Male, and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Flyspeck Hardyhead Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Flyspeck Hardyhead, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the surface and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise adequate surface area with floating cover to make them feel secure near the waterline and open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. Useful additions include an established tank with natural algae growth, as they depend on it as a primary food source and dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Flyspeck Hardyhead Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Flyspeck Hardyhead is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the surface and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Flyspeck Hardyhead Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Flyspeck Hardyhead.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 17 more tank sizes
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Frequently Asked Questions About Flyspeck Hardyhead
How big does Flyspeck Hardyhead get?
Flyspeck Hardyhead (Craterocephalus stercusmuscarum) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 7 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Flyspeck Hardyhead need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Flyspeck Hardyhead. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Flyspeck Hardyhead need?
Flyspeck Hardyhead thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 22–28°C, a pH between 6 and 8, and a general hardness of 5–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Flyspeck Hardyhead peaceful or aggressive?
Flyspeck Hardyhead is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 1 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Flyspeck Hardyhead should be kept together?
Flyspeck Hardyhead is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Flyspeck Hardyhead have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Flyspeck Hardyhead benefits from plants - densely covered and established algae (otocinclus) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Flyspeck Hardyhead need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Flyspeck Hardyhead is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Top Tank Mates for Flyspeck Hardyhead
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Flyspeck Hardyhead based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Bandit Cory
Corydoras metae
Ideal Tank MatesAsher Cory
Corydoras tukano
Ideal Tank MatesPanda Garra
Garra flavatra
Ideal Tank MatesJulii Corydoras (False Julii)
Corydoras trilineatus
Ideal Tank MatesPeppered Corydoras
Corydoras paleatus
Ideal Tank MatesMalaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Melanoides tuberculata
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Flyspeck Hardyhead
These plants pair well with Flyspeck Hardyhead based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Baby Tears
Lindernia rotundifolia
Balansae
Cryptocoryne crispatula
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