Amularis sp. australs Colour Mix 1.5–2.5 cm

Overview

Amularis sp. australs Colour Mix is a small, colourful freshwater invertebrate offered in a mixed selection of natural colour forms. At 1.5–2.5 cm, these animals are a lovely choice for aquarists looking to add movement, interest and a splash of colour to a well-maintained tropical aquarium. They are best kept in mature, stable setups where water quality is consistently good and there is plenty of grazing surface and hiding space.

As with many small aquatic invertebrates, they are most impressive when kept in a group and in a tank that has been allowed to establish biofilm, fine algae and natural micro-foods. Their compact size makes them suitable for nano and small community aquariums, provided tankmates are chosen carefully. This colour mix offers a varied and attractive display, with individuals showing different tones and patterns.

All livestock is supplied with our live arrival guarantee and dispatched using fast UK delivery to help ensure they arrive in excellent condition. Please note that, like all live aquatic animals, they benefit from a prepared aquarium and gentle acclimation on arrival.

Care at a Glance

Origin & Natural Habitat

The exact taxonomy of Amularis sp. australs is not widely standardised in the hobby, but species sold under this trade name are typically associated with warm freshwater environments in the Australasian region. In nature, small aquatic invertebrates of this type are usually found among submerged plants, leaf litter, driftwood and rockwork, where they can graze on biofilm and find shelter from predators.

These habitats are generally rich in micro-organisms and natural food sources, with gentle water movement and plenty of surfaces for grazing. Replicating this kind of environment in the aquarium is the key to long-term success. A mature tank with stable water chemistry, live plants and natural décor will help these animals settle quickly and display their best colouration.

Tank Setup & Water Parameters

For best results, keep Amularis sp. australs in a well-established aquarium with a soft substrate or fine sand, plus plenty of moss, fine-leaved plants, wood and stones. These features create grazing areas and safe retreat points. Filtration should be efficient but not overly turbulent; a gentle flow is usually ideal. Avoid sudden changes in temperature or water chemistry, as small invertebrates can be sensitive to instability.

A minimum of 40 litres is recommended for a small group, although larger tanks are always more forgiving and easier to keep stable. The aquarium should be fully cycled before introduction, with zero ammonia and nitrite. Regular small water changes are preferable to infrequent large ones. If you keep shrimp, snails or other delicate invertebrates, ensure any treatments or fertilisers used are safe for invertebrate systems.

Recommended parameters: temperature 22–28°C, pH 6.5–7.8, with moderate hardness and excellent oxygenation. A planted aquarium with natural daylight-style lighting will encourage biofilm growth and help maintain a healthy grazing environment. Because these animals are small, use a secure lid or cover glass to reduce evaporation and prevent escapes where relevant.

Feeding Guide

Amularis sp. australs are best described as opportunistic grazers and omnivores. In a mature aquarium they will spend much of their time picking at biofilm, algae films and microscopic food particles. However, they should not be expected to survive on leftovers alone. Offer a varied diet to support colour, growth and overall condition.

Suitable foods include high-quality invertebrate pellets, algae wafers, blanched vegetables such as courgette and spinach in small amounts, and specialist grazing foods. Occasional protein-rich foods can be offered sparingly if accepted, but overfeeding should be avoided. Feed little and often, removing uneaten food to preserve water quality. In tanks with abundant natural grazing, supplemental feeding may only be needed a few times per week.

New arrivals may take a short time to settle before feeding confidently. This is normal. Keep the environment calm, dim the lights if needed, and offer small portions once they begin exploring the tank.

Tank Mates / Compatibility

This species is peaceful and should be housed with calm, non-predatory tank mates. Good companions include small rasboras, ember tetras, endlers, peaceful dwarf livebearers, otocinclus, small Corydoras species, and other gentle community fish. It can also do well with compatible freshwater snails and, in some setups, peaceful shrimp species if the aquarium is mature and well planted.

Avoid large, boisterous or predatory fish that may harass or eat them, including many cichlids, larger barbs, puffers, loaches that prey on invertebrates, and any fish with a strong hunting instinct. Very active species can also outcompete them for food. The best results come from calm community aquariums with plenty of cover and a feeding routine that ensures these small invertebrates receive their share.

Because they are small, newly introduced individuals should be monitored closely for the first few days. Ensure there are no gaps in the lid and that filter intakes are covered if necessary.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

At Tropical Fish Co, we understand that live aquatic animals need careful handling from the moment they are packed to the moment they reach your aquarium. That is why we prioritise healthy stock, secure packaging and prompt dispatch. Our fast UK delivery helps reduce transit stress, and our live arrival guarantee gives you added confidence when ordering online.

We aim to provide clear, practical care information so you can set up the right environment before your new livestock arrives. Whether you are building a planted nano tank or adding interest to a peaceful tropical community, our livestock is selected with quality and welfare in mind. If you are looking for a colourful, compact and rewarding invertebrate for a stable aquarium, Amularis sp. australs Colour Mix is an excellent choice.

For the best experience, always acclimate slowly, keep water conditions stable, and avoid introducing them to immature tanks. With the right setup, they can become a fascinating and attractive part of your aquarium for a long time.