Colombian Tetra
The Colombian Tetra, scientifically known as Hyphessobrycon columbianus, is a vibrant and hardy freshwater fish native to the slow-moving rivers and streams of Colombia, particularly in the Acandí region. Known for its striking coloration, active schooling behavior, and peaceful temperament, this tetra is a popular choice among aquarists seeking a bold centerpiece for community aquariums.
Physically, the Colombian Tetra has a shimmering silvery-blue body with a metallic sheen that intensifies under good lighting. The fins are strikingly red, creating a beautiful contrast against the body. This combination of blue and red gives it a similar appearance to larger characins, earning it the nickname “Colombian Redfin Tetra.” Adults typically grow to about 2.5 to 3 inches (6 to 8 centimeters) in length, making them one of the larger tetra species.
In the aquarium, Colombian Tetras thrive in groups of six or more, as their schooling behavior provides security and encourages natural activity. A tank of at least 30 gallons is recommended to accommodate a group, with plenty of open swimming areas and dense planting along the edges to provide shelter. Adding driftwood or rocks can help create a naturalistic environment that mimics their native habitat.
Water parameters for Colombian Tetras are flexible, making them suitable for a wide range of aquarium setups. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 and temperatures between 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C). Regular water changes and good filtration are essential to maintain water quality, as they are active swimmers and produce moderate waste.
Feeding Colombian Tetras is straightforward, as they are omnivorous and accept a variety of foods. They thrive on a staple diet of high-quality flakes or pellets, supplemented with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Occasional feedings of vegetable-based foods or spirulina flakes can also be beneficial to their health and coloration.
Colombian Tetras are peaceful and compatible with a wide range of tank mates, including other tetras, rasboras, Corydoras catfish, and dwarf cichlids like Apistogramma. Their active and boisterous nature makes them a great addition to larger community tanks, but they should not be housed with very small or slow-moving fish, as their activity may cause stress.
Breeding Colombian Tetras in captivity is possible and similar to breeding other tetra species. They are egg scatterers, and spawning can be encouraged by conditioning the pair with live or frozen foods and providing fine-leaved plants or a spawning mop. After spawning, the adults should be removed to prevent them from eating the eggs. The eggs hatch within 24 to 36 hours, and the fry become free-swimming after about 3 to 4 days. The fry can be fed infusoria or finely crushed fry food, transitioning to baby brine shrimp as they grow.
Overall, the Colombian Tetra (Hyphessobrycon columbianus) is a stunning and resilient species that brings color, activity, and charm to any freshwater aquarium. Its easy care, peaceful demeanor, and striking appearance make it a favorite among aquarists of all experience levels.
The Colombian Tetra, scientifically known as Hyphessobrycon columbianus, is a vibrant and hardy freshwater fish native to the slow-moving rivers and streams of Colombia, particularly in the Acandí region. Known for its striking coloration, active schooling behavior, and peaceful temperament, this tetra is a popular choice among aquarists seeking a bold centerpiece for community aquariums.
Physically, the Colombian Tetra has a shimmering silvery-blue body with a metallic sheen that intensifies under good lighting. The fins are strikingly red, creating a beautiful contrast against the body. This combination of blue and red gives it a similar appearance to larger characins, earning it the nickname “Colombian Redfin Tetra.” Adults typically grow to about 2.5 to 3 inches (6 to 8 centimeters) in length, making them one of the larger tetra species.
In the aquarium, Colombian Tetras thrive in groups of six or more, as their schooling behavior provides security and encourages natural activity. A tank of at least 30 gallons is recommended to accommodate a group, with plenty of open swimming areas and dense planting along the edges to provide shelter. Adding driftwood or rocks can help create a naturalistic environment that mimics their native habitat.
Water parameters for Colombian Tetras are flexible, making them suitable for a wide range of aquarium setups. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 and temperatures between 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C). Regular water changes and good filtration are essential to maintain water quality, as they are active swimmers and produce moderate waste.
Feeding Colombian Tetras is straightforward, as they are omnivorous and accept a variety of foods. They thrive on a staple diet of high-quality flakes or pellets, supplemented with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Occasional feedings of vegetable-based foods or spirulina flakes can also be beneficial to their health and coloration.
Colombian Tetras are peaceful and compatible with a wide range of tank mates, including other tetras, rasboras, Corydoras catfish, and dwarf cichlids like Apistogramma. Their active and boisterous nature makes them a great addition to larger community tanks, but they should not be housed with very small or slow-moving fish, as their activity may cause stress.
Breeding Colombian Tetras in captivity is possible and similar to breeding other tetra species. They are egg scatterers, and spawning can be encouraged by conditioning the pair with live or frozen foods and providing fine-leaved plants or a spawning mop. After spawning, the adults should be removed to prevent them from eating the eggs. The eggs hatch within 24 to 36 hours, and the fry become free-swimming after about 3 to 4 days. The fry can be fed infusoria or finely crushed fry food, transitioning to baby brine shrimp as they grow.
Overall, the Colombian Tetra (Hyphessobrycon columbianus) is a stunning and resilient species that brings color, activity, and charm to any freshwater aquarium. Its easy care, peaceful demeanor, and striking appearance make it a favorite among aquarists of all experience levels.
The Colombian Tetra, scientifically known as Hyphessobrycon columbianus, is a vibrant and hardy freshwater fish native to the slow-moving rivers and streams of Colombia, particularly in the Acandí region. Known for its striking coloration, active schooling behavior, and peaceful temperament, this tetra is a popular choice among aquarists seeking a bold centerpiece for community aquariums.
Physically, the Colombian Tetra has a shimmering silvery-blue body with a metallic sheen that intensifies under good lighting. The fins are strikingly red, creating a beautiful contrast against the body. This combination of blue and red gives it a similar appearance to larger characins, earning it the nickname “Colombian Redfin Tetra.” Adults typically grow to about 2.5 to 3 inches (6 to 8 centimeters) in length, making them one of the larger tetra species.
In the aquarium, Colombian Tetras thrive in groups of six or more, as their schooling behavior provides security and encourages natural activity. A tank of at least 30 gallons is recommended to accommodate a group, with plenty of open swimming areas and dense planting along the edges to provide shelter. Adding driftwood or rocks can help create a naturalistic environment that mimics their native habitat.
Water parameters for Colombian Tetras are flexible, making them suitable for a wide range of aquarium setups. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 and temperatures between 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C). Regular water changes and good filtration are essential to maintain water quality, as they are active swimmers and produce moderate waste.
Feeding Colombian Tetras is straightforward, as they are omnivorous and accept a variety of foods. They thrive on a staple diet of high-quality flakes or pellets, supplemented with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Occasional feedings of vegetable-based foods or spirulina flakes can also be beneficial to their health and coloration.
Colombian Tetras are peaceful and compatible with a wide range of tank mates, including other tetras, rasboras, Corydoras catfish, and dwarf cichlids like Apistogramma. Their active and boisterous nature makes them a great addition to larger community tanks, but they should not be housed with very small or slow-moving fish, as their activity may cause stress.
Breeding Colombian Tetras in captivity is possible and similar to breeding other tetra species. They are egg scatterers, and spawning can be encouraged by conditioning the pair with live or frozen foods and providing fine-leaved plants or a spawning mop. After spawning, the adults should be removed to prevent them from eating the eggs. The eggs hatch within 24 to 36 hours, and the fry become free-swimming after about 3 to 4 days. The fry can be fed infusoria or finely crushed fry food, transitioning to baby brine shrimp as they grow.
Overall, the Colombian Tetra (Hyphessobrycon columbianus) is a stunning and resilient species that brings color, activity, and charm to any freshwater aquarium. Its easy care, peaceful demeanor, and striking appearance make it a favorite among aquarists of all experience levels.
