Panda tetra - Aphyocharax paraguayensis

Scientific name: Aphyocharax paraguayensis

Common name: Panda tetra

Family: Characidae

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

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.5 - 7.2

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 5 - 15°N (89.29 - 267.86ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 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: Top levels

Origin

The Panda Tetra (Aphyocharax paraguayensis) is native to the river basins of the Rio Paraguay in South America. In the wild, they inhabit densely vegetated streams and small tributaries with soft, slightly acidic to neutral water. These areas are typically shaded by overhanging plants and trees, providing ample cover and a variety of microhabitats. The natural environment of Panda Tetras is crucial to mimic in the aquarium for their optimal health and well-being.

Lifespan

With proper care, Panda Tetras can live between 2 to 5 years in an aquarium. Their lifespan can be maximized by maintaining stable water conditions, offering a balanced diet, and ensuring a stress-free environment.

Short Description

Panda Tetras are small, hardy, and active fish known for their striking black and white markings. Reaching a size of 3-4 cm (1.18-1.57 inches), they are best kept in groups of at least 6 to minimize fin-nipping behavior. These fish are energetic swimmers and display natural schooling behavior when kept in groups. Due to their occasional fin-nipping, they are not ideal candidates for community setups, especially with long-finned or slow-moving species. A species-only tank is recommended, where they can thrive and exhibit their natural behaviors without disrupting other fish.

In the aquarium, they prefer plenty of open swimming space, so confine taller plants to the rear and sides of the tank. As they primarily inhabit the top levels of the tank, the substrate is not a major concern. Sand or small, smooth-edged gravel works well. Panda Tetras appreciate dim lighting, which can be achieved by adding floating plants to diffuse the light. Replicating their natural habitat with reduced water flow, abundant vegetation, and ample cover helps reduce stress and keeps them active.

General Care Tips

Panda Tetras are relatively easy to care for, provided that their tank environment closely mimics their natural habitat. Maintain the water temperature between 22-26°C (71.6-78.8°F) with a pH range of 6.5-7.2. The water hardness should be kept between 5-15°N (89.29-267.86 ppm). To ensure their health, perform regular weekly water changes of about 20-30% to keep the water quality high and prevent the buildup of toxins like ammonia and nitrites.

Panda Tetras are highly active and should be kept in schools to feel secure. Providing plenty of hiding spots using driftwood, plants, and rocks will help mimic their natural environment and reduce stress. They can be shy and may hide if kept in a sparse tank setup. A slow water flow is preferred, as it closely resembles their natural habitat in the wild, where vegetation and plant debris suppress water movement.

Food and Feeding

In the wild, Panda Tetras feed on small invertebrates, larvae, and plant matter. In the aquarium, they are adaptable eaters. While they prefer live foods, they will readily accept high-quality flake or small pellet foods as their staple diet. Supplement their diet with live or frozen treats like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and white worms to maintain their health, vibrant coloration, and overall activity level. To add variety and ensure balanced nutrition, consider offering finely chopped vegetables, such as blanched spinach or zucchini, once in a while. Over time, they will adapt to a variety of foods, but ensure that food particles are small enough to fit into their tiny mouths to prevent choking or digestive issues.

Sexing

Sexing Panda Tetras is relatively straightforward. Females tend to be larger, rounder, and have a more stocky body shape compared to the slimmer, sleeker males. During spawning, males may display slightly more vibrant coloration and become more active in their courtship behavior, chasing and displaying to females.

Breeding

Breeding Panda Tetras in captivity is possible with the right conditions. Large water changes using slightly cooler water can trigger spawning behavior. Provide a separate breeding tank filled with fine-leaved plants like Java Moss or spawning mops to give the eggs a place to settle and reduce the risk of the parents consuming them. Use a gentle sponge filter to maintain water quality without creating too much current, as strong water flow can disturb the eggs.

These tetras are egg scatterers, and the female will release hundreds of tiny eggs during the spawning process. Once spawning is complete, it is crucial to remove the parents from the breeding tank to prevent them from eating the eggs. The eggs usually hatch within 2-3 days. Once the fry become free-swimming, feed them with infusoria or commercially available liquid fry food until they are large enough to accept newly hatched brine shrimp. Ensure that the water quality in the breeding tank remains stable, as fry are particularly sensitive to fluctuations in water parameters.

Conclusion

The Panda Tetra is a lively, peaceful species that adds activity and a splash of color to a species-only aquarium. By providing a well-planted environment, maintaining stable water conditions, and offering a varied diet, these fish can thrive and display their striking black and white markings. Their relatively small size and schooling nature make them an excellent choice for hobbyists looking to create a natural and harmonious setup. With a bit of patience and care, even breeding them in captivity is possible, contributing to their ongoing presence and conservation in the aquarium hobby.