Colombian tetra - Hyphessobrycon columbianus
Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon columbianus
Common name: Colombian tetra
Family: Characidae
Usual size in fish tanks: 6 - 7 cm (2.36 - 2.76 inch)
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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.6 - 7.2
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 5 - 18°N (89.29 - 321.43ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 23 - 27 °C (73.4 - 80.6°F)
The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning
Where the species comes from: South America
Temperament to its own species: peaceful
Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful
Usual place in the tank: Top levels
Food and feeding
Colombian tetras are not fussy eaters; they will accept anything offered to them. Use a quality flake or granules for the staple diet but add live or frozen foods to keep them in top condition. Brine shrimp, blood worms and white worms are ideal.
Origin
South America; Colombian tetras are to be found in the waterways of Colombia.
Sexing
Difficult to sex normally but when the females are ripe, their bellies will appear swollen.
Breeding
Separate the parents a week before planning to breed them. During this time, condition the fish with live or frozen foods. The lighting on the breeding tank should be subdued and add fine leaved plants or java moss. Remove the parents after spawning is complete to prevent them from eating the eggs and when the fry are hatched they will be very tiny. Once free swimming, the fry can be fed on Infusoria.
Lifespan
The expected life span for Hyphessobrycon columbianus is 3-5 years.
Short description
Keep Hyphessobrycon columbianus in small groups of at least 5-6 specimens. They are known as being fin nippers and can be aggressive to smaller tank mates. They prefer to be kept in a planted tank.
Pictures
Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.