Ecuador Tetra - Hyphessobrycon ecuadoriensis

Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon ecuadoriensis

Common name: Ecuador Tetra

Family: Characidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 3 - 4 cm (1.18 - 1.57 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 5.5 - 7

Recommended water hardness: 0 - 12°N (0 - 214.29ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 22 - 26 °C (71.6 - 78.8°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: Middle levels

General Information

The Ecuador Tetra (Hyphessobrycon ecuadoriensis) is a very small South American characin known from Ecuador (type locality: Vinces, Los Ríos Province). Adults reach about 2.5–3.1 cm TL. In nature it inhabits quiet forest pools and slow tributaries with leaf litter and subdued light. Keep in groups of 8–10 to reduce shyness and show natural schooling. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Food & Feeding

Micro-omnivore. Provide quality micro-flakes or micro-granules as the base diet, plus frozen/live micro-foods (baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops; bloodworms len sparingly). Offer tiny portions 1–2× daily so food fits their small mouths and doesn’t foul the water.

Sexing

Females are usually a touch deeper-bodied and rounder when gravid; males may show slightly sharper finnage/contrast. Best judged on mature fish side-by-side.

Breeding

An egg-scattering tetra with no parental care. Use a separate, dim tank with very soft, slightly acidic water, fine-leaved plants or spawning mops, and a dark base (marbles/mesh). Spawning often occurs at daybreak. Remove adults immediately. Eggs usually hatch in ~24–36 h; fry are free-swimming after 3–4 days. Start with infusoria/micro foods, then newly hatched brine shrimp as they grow.

Lifespan

Commonly 3–5 years with clean, stable water and a varied micro-diet.

Tank Requirements & Water Parameters

• Tank size: a long nano/community setup from 45–60 cm (18–24″) for a proper shoal.
• Water: pH 5.5–7.0; hardness 0–8 °dH (tolerates up to ~12 °dH if stable); temperature 22–26 °C (72–79 °F). Stability is more important than the absolute number.
• Filtration & flow: gentle flow, high oxygenation; leaf litter/wood for tannins and cover.
• Aquascape: dark substrate, dense plants and shaded areas; open mid-water lanes for schooling.
• Maintenance: weekly water changes; avoid abrupt parameter swings.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

Peaceful, very small shoaler—pair with equally peaceful nano species: small rasboras, other petite tetras, Corydoras pygmies, small loricariids, and shrimp/snails (note: tiny shrimp young may be eaten). Avoid boisterous or predatory tank mates.

Behaviour & Usual Place in the Tank

Active mid-water to upper-mid swimmer; will school tightly when startled and loosen up while foraging among plants.

Short Description

Ecuador Tetra is a tiny, peaceful characin endemic to Ecuador. Provide a planted, dimly lit aquarium with very soft, stable water and a micro-diet; keep in a sizeable shoal for confidence and colour.