Red base tetra - Hemigrammus stictus

Scientific name: Hemigrammus stictus

Common name: Red base 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: 6.2 - 7.2

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 21°N (71.43 - 375ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 23 - 26 °C (73.4 - 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

Food and feeding

The Red Base Tetra can be a fussy eater initially but once settled should accept all foods. Use quality flake or pellets as the staple diet, to keep them interested in the foods give them treats of brine shrimp and blood worms twice a week.

Origin

South America; Red base tetras are found in the waterways of Guyana and Colombia.

Sexing

Females will be larger than the males and have a plumper body shape.

Breeding

It can be difficult to get these to spawn but it is possible. Provide them with acidic water that is well filtered and add some plants to the breeding tank. The eggs will be laid amongst the plants and the fry should hatch out after 1 day. When the fry are free swimming, they can be fed on Infusoria or rotifers. After a week they should accept newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

The expected life span of Hemigrammus stictus is 5-8 years.

Short description

Provide Hemigrammus stictus with soft, acidic water and plenty of rocks or wood to provide hiding places. They prefer subdued lighting and add some plants to the tank to make them feel at ease. They are a peaceful species and can be added to a community tank with no problems.

Picture

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.