Savanna tetra - Hyphessobrycon stegemanni

Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon stegemanni

Common name: Savanna 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

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 11°N (71.43 - 196.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 23 - 28 °C (73.4 - 82.4°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 Savanna Tetra (Hyphessobrycon stegemanni) is an omnivorous species that readily accepts a variety of foods. To maintain their health and vibrant coloration, offer a balanced diet that includes:

Staple diet: High-quality flake food or micro pellets.
Live or frozen foods: Brine shrimp, micro worms, daphnia.
Vegetable matter: Blanched spinach, spirulina flakes.

Feed them small portions 2-3 times per day, ensuring they consume all food within a few minutes to maintain water quality.

Origin

The Savanna Tetra is native to South America, specifically found in the Amazon River Basin. These fish inhabit slow-moving tributaries and floodplain waters, where they thrive among submerged roots, leaf litter, and dense aquatic vegetation.

Sexing

Determining the sex of Savanna Tetras is relatively straightforward:

Males: Slimmer body shape and slightly more intense coloration.
Females: Rounder belly, especially when carrying eggs.

Breeding

Breeding Hyphessobrycon stegemanni is moderately easy if proper conditions are met. To encourage spawning, follow these steps:

Use a separate breeding tank with subdued lighting.
Maintain soft, slightly acidic water with a temperature of 26-28°C (79-82°F).
Provide fine-leaved plants or spawning mops as egg-laying sites.

The female will scatter up to 300 eggs, which the male fertilizes. Remove the parents immediately after spawning, as they may eat the eggs. The eggs hatch within 24-36 hours, and the fry become free-swimming in 3-4 days. Initially, they should be fed Infusoria, followed by newly hatched brine shrimp as they grow.

Lifespan

With proper care, Savanna Tetras can live up to 5 years in a well-maintained aquarium.

Tank Setup and Behavior

Savanna Tetras are peaceful schooling fish that prefer to be kept in groups of at least six. A well-planted tank with open swimming areas and subdued lighting will help them feel secure. Key tank requirements include:

Temperature: 23 - 28°C (73.4 - 82.4°F).
pH: 6.5 - 7.0.
Hardness: 4 - 11 dGH.

They are best suited for blackwater aquariums with a dark substrate, leaf litter, and driftwood, mimicking their natural environment.

Tank Mates

Since they are peaceful schooling fish, Savanna Tetras do well in community tanks with other small, non-aggressive species. Good tank mates include:

Neon Tetras – Peaceful and active schooling fish.
Rummy Nose Tetras – Great for blackwater setups.
Ember Tetras – Compatible due to their small size and temperament.
Harlequin Rasboras – A peaceful addition.
Otocinclus Catfish – Gentle bottom dwellers.

Tank mates to avoid:

Oscars – Too large and aggressive.
Convict Cichlids – Highly territorial.
Tiger Barbs – Fin nippers that may harass the tetras.

Recommended Plants

Savanna Tetras thrive in densely planted aquariums that provide hiding spaces and reduce stress. Ideal plant choices include:

Java Fern – Hardy and easy to maintain.
Anubias – Attachable to driftwood and rocks.
Cryptocoryne Wendtii – Adds a natural look.
Java Moss – Great for fry hiding spots.

Short Description

The Savanna Tetra (Hyphessobrycon stegemanni) is a small, peaceful schooling fish from South America, ideal for community aquariums. Their gentle temperament, active swimming behavior, and vibrant colors make them a great addition to well-maintained tanks. They thrive in planted setups with blackwater conditions, where they can display their best natural behaviors.