What causes the water in the Orinoco basin where X-ray Tetras live to often have a tea-like color?
Answer
Tannins released from decaying vegetation staining the water.
The natural water chemistry in the Orinoco river basin, a primary habitat for the X-ray Tetra, is characterized by the presence of tannins. These organic compounds are released as vegetation naturally decays within the water system. This process stains the water, giving it a distinctive tea-like coloration. Replicating this dimly lit, tannin-stained environment in an aquarium is often beneficial for encouraging more natural behavior in the species.
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