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Dear customers,
We have some exciting news to share, along with an important update about what the next several months may look like for our business.
Over the coming months, we will be gradually reducing our in-stock fish inventory as we prepare to move Lone Star Rare Exotic Fish Co. to a new location. We are not closing, and we will still be taking orders, but our available in-stock livestock will become more limited during this transition. For the time being, we will be relying more heavily on Special Order livestock until we are fully moved and set up in the new facility.
Lone Star Rare Exotic Fish Co. began in 2021 as a small garage startup. It was a side-hustle for us that we did mostly for fun and for the love of the hobby. Thanks to the overwhelming support of our customers, it quickly grew far beyond what that original space could handle, and far beyond what we ever imagined was possible. We recently purchased a 1-acre property about one hour North of Houston Texas where we will be building a purpose-built fish shop, and once completed, the new facility will give us more than 10 times the space we currently have.
This is a huge step for us and for the future of the business. Our new location will eventually be open to the public, which will be a major change from our current online-only setup. With the additional space, we plan to greatly expand our freshwater livestock selection, begin offering saltwater livestock, and add a greenhouse wing dedicated to tropical plants and koi ponds.
While we are extremely excited about what is ahead, we also want to be honest about the reality of getting there.
Lone Star Rare Exotic Fish Co. is still run entirely by just two people: myself, Charles, and my girlfriend, Katie. We both currently work full-time jobs outside of the fish business, and we will be building the new facility ourselves during whatever spare time we have available. We are very fortunate to be in a position where we can build and expand, but we are not in a position to hire a crew or staff to make the process happen quickly.
Because of this, customers may notice slower response times to messages and inquiries. We also do not have a guaranteed timeline for completion. Our goal is to complete phase one and be moved into the new shop by the end of the year, but because this is being done by us, by hand, in our limited free time, that timeline may shift. After the initial move, phases two and three will continue as we work toward completing the full project.
We know that this transition may make things less convenient for a while. Inventory may be more limited, Special Orders may play a larger role, and communication may not be as fast as we would like it to be. We truly appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through this process.
Most importantly, we want to say thank you. Your support is the reason Lone Star Rare Exotic Fish Co. has reached this point. What started as a small garage business has grown into something much bigger than we ever imagined, and although this next step will be challenging, we believe it will allow us to build something far better for our customers in the long run.
Thank you for your continued trust, support, and patience while we work to take Lone Star Rare Exotic Fish Co. to the next level.
Sincerely,
Charles & Katie
Lone Star Rare Exotic Fish Co.
We will be gradually reducing our in-stock livestock over the next several months as we prepare to move into a larger new facility. We are not closing, but we will be relying more heavily on Special Orders during the transition. Click the link below for more details.
More infoCommon Name: Red Flagtail Prochilodus
Scientific Name: Semaprochilodus taeniurus
Other Names: Flagtail Prochilodus, Red Flagtail
The Red Flagtail Prochilodus is a visually striking freshwater fish known for its vibrant red tail and impressive size. It has a silver body with horizontal black stripes running along its sides, which become more pronounced as the fish matures. The distinctive red or orange coloration of the tail fin is the hallmark of this species. The Red Flagtail Prochilodus is an active swimmer and a relatively peaceful species, making it a popular choice for large community aquariums.
Habitat and Distribution: The Red Flagtail Prochilodus is native to the Amazon Basin, specifically found in the rivers and floodplains of Brazil, Peru, and Colombia. These fish inhabit slow-moving rivers, streams, and floodplain lakes with sandy or muddy bottoms. The natural habitat is typically warm and slightly acidic to neutral, with plenty of submerged vegetation and driftwood providing cover and foraging grounds. The seasonal flooding in these regions creates a dynamic environment where the Red Flagtail Prochilodus thrives.
Size and Lifespan: In the wild, Red Flagtail Prochilodus can grow up to 18 inches (45 cm) in length. In captivity, they usually reach about 12-14 inches (30-35 cm). Their lifespan can range from 10 to 15 years, depending on the care and conditions provided in the aquarium. Maintaining optimal water quality, a balanced diet, and a spacious environment are crucial for their longevity.
Diet and Behavior: Red Flagtail Prochilodus are primarily herbivorous, feeding on algae, biofilm, and plant matter in the wild. In an aquarium, they should be provided with a varied diet that includes high-quality vegetable-based pellets, algae wafers, and fresh vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, and zucchini. They will also graze on algae growing in the tank. These fish are active swimmers and exhibit peaceful behavior, though they can be territorial towards conspecifics or similar species. They are best kept in groups of three or more to promote natural schooling behavior and reduce aggression.
Breeding and Reproduction: Breeding Red Flagtail Prochilodus in captivity is challenging due to their specific environmental needs and the difficulty of replicating the seasonal changes of their natural habitat. They are migratory spawners in the wild, traveling to floodplain areas to reproduce. In an aquarium setting, successful breeding typically requires a large, well-maintained tank with optimal water conditions, including a slight increase in temperature and water changes to simulate the rainy season. Little is documented about their breeding behavior in captivity, and they are rarely bred outside of their natural habitat.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements: To keep Red Flagtail Prochilodus, a large aquarium of at least 150 gallons is recommended to provide ample swimming space and accommodate their size. The tank should include plenty of hiding spots created with rocks, driftwood, and robust plants to mimic their natural habitat. A sandy or fine gravel substrate is ideal, along with moderate water flow to simulate river conditions. Efficient filtration and regular water changes are essential to maintain water quality. These fish are known for their jumping ability, so a tightly fitting lid is necessary.
Ideal Tank Mates: Red Flagtail Prochilodus can be kept with other large, peaceful fish that share similar water parameter requirements. Suitable tank mates include larger tetras, peaceful cichlids, arowanas, and other similarly sized fish. It is important to avoid housing them with very small fish, as they may be accidentally injured or stressed by the active swimming behavior of the Prochilodus.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate. While they are hardy, their large size, specific dietary needs, and active behavior require attentive care and a well-maintained aquarium.
Water Parameters:
Additional Information:
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