{"product_id":"anableps-anableps","title":"Anableps anableps 4–6 cm | Four-eyed Fish","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnableps anableps\u003c\/strong\u003e, commonly known as the \u003cstrong\u003eFour-eyed Fish\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003eTopminnow\u003c\/strong\u003e, is one of the most unusual live aquarium fish available. Despite the nickname, it does not truly have four eyes; instead, each eye is divided into two functional sections, allowing the fish to see both above and below the waterline at the same time. This remarkable adaptation makes it a genuine conversation piece and a rewarding species for experienced aquarists who enjoy keeping something a little different.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOffered here at \u003cstrong\u003e4–6 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e, these juveniles are still developing and will grow into impressive, active fish with a strong surface presence. They are best kept in a carefully managed brackish setup with plenty of swimming space, secure cover, and stable water conditions. Because they are specialised fish, they are not recommended for beginners, but for the right keeper they are fascinating, hardy, and full of character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt Tropical Fish Co, we supply healthy stock with a \u003cstrong\u003elive arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003efast UK delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e, so your fish arrive in the best possible condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare at a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAttribute\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cem\u003eAnableps anableps\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFour-eyed Fish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCare level\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExpert\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSemi-aggressive\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdult size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUp to 30 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum tank size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e300 litres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24–28°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7.0–8.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOmnivore with strong carnivorous tendency\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTank region\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTop\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; Natural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAnableps anableps\u003c\/em\u003e is native to the tropical Atlantic coast of South America, particularly river mouths, estuaries, mangrove channels, and tidal creeks. In the wild, it lives in shallow, slow-moving waters where fresh and salt water mix. These habitats are often influenced by tides, meaning the fish experiences changing salinity, fluctuating water levels, and strong surface activity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis species is adapted to life at the water’s edge. It spends much of its time cruising just beneath the surface, where it feeds on insects, small crustaceans, worms, and other foods that fall onto or near the water. Its specialised eyesight helps it spot prey both above and below the surface, making it a highly efficient surface hunter.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnderstanding this natural history is essential for success in the aquarium. A stable brackish environment, open swimming space, and a secure lid are all important, as these fish are active, powerful jumpers and can be startled by movement above the tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Setup \u0026amp; Water Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor long-term care, \u003cem\u003eAnableps anableps\u003c\/em\u003e should be housed in a spacious aquarium with a large surface area. A tank of \u003cstrong\u003e300 litres or more\u003c\/strong\u003e is recommended for a single specimen or a carefully planned group, with more space needed for multiple adults. The aquarium should be long rather than tall, giving the fish room to cruise and turn comfortably near the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUse a \u003cstrong\u003ebrackish setup\u003c\/strong\u003e with marine salt mixed to a suitable specific gravity for the species and the fish’s age and source. Juveniles are often kept at lighter brackish levels, while adults may require stronger brackish conditions. Because requirements can vary, it is best to maintain stable water chemistry and avoid sudden changes. Good filtration is essential, but flow should not be so strong that it constantly disrupts the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRecommended parameters are:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24–28°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7.0–8.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater:\u003c\/strong\u003e clean, well-oxygenated, and stable brackish conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eDecor should be practical rather than crowded. Provide open swimming space, some driftwood or mangrove-style hardscape, and hardy brackish-tolerant plants or artificial planting if desired. Floating cover can help reduce stress, but leave plenty of open surface access for feeding and breathing. A tight-fitting lid is absolutely essential, as these fish can leap.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRegular maintenance is vital. Partial water changes, careful monitoring of salinity, and excellent mechanical filtration will help keep the aquarium stable. As with all brackish species, avoid using freshwater-only tank mates or decor that will deteriorate in saline water.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn nature, the Four-eyed Fish is an opportunistic feeder, taking a wide range of small animal foods from the water surface and nearby shallows. In the aquarium, it should be offered a varied diet with a strong meaty component. Suitable foods include quality floating pellets, marine or brackish carnivore sticks, frozen bloodworm, mysis, chopped prawn, krill, insect larvae, and other appropriately sized frozen or live foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause this species feeds at the surface, floating foods are especially useful. Offer small portions several times a day rather than one large feeding, particularly for younger fish. A varied diet helps maintain condition, colour, and growth. Avoid overfeeding, as excess food can quickly foul a brackish aquarium and affect water quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhere possible, include some plant-based matter or spirulina-containing foods as part of a balanced omnivorous regime, but do not rely on vegetable foods alone. This is a fish with clear carnivorous tendencies and will thrive best on protein-rich fare.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Mates \/ Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAnableps anableps\u003c\/em\u003e is best kept with other robust brackish species that can tolerate similar water conditions and are not small enough to be viewed as food. Suitable companions may include larger brackish gobies, scats, monos, archerfish, and other similarly sized fish that share compatible salinity and temperature requirements. However, compatibility depends heavily on tank size, individual temperament, and the maturity of the fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eChoose tank mates carefully. This species can be assertive, especially at feeding time, and may nip at slower or long-finned fish. It is also a surface specialist, so avoid species that occupy the same niche if space is limited. In smaller aquariums, it is usually best kept singly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDo not house with tiny fish, shrimp, or delicate freshwater species. They are likely to be stressed, outcompeted, or eaten. Avoid very aggressive tank mates as well, as these can damage the fish’s fins and cause chronic stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor best results, create a species-focused or carefully planned brackish community with ample room, strong filtration, and plenty of visual barriers only where they do not interfere with surface swimming.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from Tropical Fish Co\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen you buy from Tropical Fish Co, you are choosing a specialist retailer that understands the needs of unusual and high-value aquarium species. We prioritise healthy stock, careful packing, and reliable service, so your fish arrive in excellent condition. Every order is backed by our \u003cstrong\u003elive arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e, and we offer \u003cstrong\u003efast UK delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e to help reduce transit stress and get your new fish settled quickly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe also aim to provide clear, practical care information so you can prepare the right environment before your fish arrives. For a species as distinctive as \u003cem\u003eAnableps anableps\u003c\/em\u003e, that support matters. Whether you are building a dedicated brackish display or adding a true oddball to an established collection, we are here to help you keep your fish successfully.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eChoose Tropical Fish Co for quality livestock, dependable delivery, and expert support for specialist aquarium species.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"4-6 cm","offer_id":57446783517007,"sku":"KK17","price":73.79,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"6-8 cm","offer_id":57560863539535,"sku":"KK18","price":91.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/anableps-anableps-natural-aquarium-kk17.webp?v=1777850624","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/anableps-anableps","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}