Black Neon Tetra

Introduction


This tetra is olive-green on the dorsal surface and silvery on the belly.There is an iridescent ,pale green-blue line along the flanks, from the top of the eye to the caudal peduncle. Below this, a dark area gradually pales towards the lower part of the body.Fins are  mostly colorless, and an adipose fin is present.Females gradually have deeper bodies and increase in girth at spawning times.

Common Name


Black Tetra, Neon Tetra


Species


Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi


Habitat 


Streams and rivers in the Mato Grosso region of Brazil.

Maximum Size


About  1.75"(4.5cm).


Minimum Tank Size 


A tank measuring at least 18" x 12" x 12" (45cm x 30cm x 30cm) - 42 litres.


Diet 


Easy to feed. It will readily accept just about anything offered.They are Omnivorous , so can eat most of the foods.In the aquarium it proves unfussy. Feed a mixture of dried flakes and granules along with small live and frozen foods.


Water Temperature


72-82°F (22-28°C)


pH


5.5-7.5.


Hardness


2-10°H


Remark


Soft, acid water will bring out this fish color.

Flame Tetra

Introduction

The body shape of this fish is typical of the tetra group,with a high profile tapering evenly to the caudal peduncle.Coloration is pinkish brown with silver.On perfect specimens , two dark bars appear behind the gill cover and extend down to the belly; the lower rear of the body has more red.Pelvic, anal and caudal fins are also red edged with black , and the dorsal fin may be sooty with white streaks.A terminal mouth is situated at the tip of the snout and an adipose fin is present.The female is less red and increases girth when spawning.

Common Name


Red Tetra , Tetra of Rio, Flame Tetra , Von Rio Tetra


Species


Hyphessobrycon Flammeus


Habitat 


Streams and rivers around Rio de Janeiro.

Maximum Size


About  1.75"(4.5cm).


Minimum Tank Size 


A tank measuring at least 18" x 12" x 12" (45cm x 30cm x 30cm) - 42 litres.


Diet 


Easy to feed. It will readily accept just about anything offered.They are Omnivorous , so can eat most of the foods.In the aquarium it proves unfussy. Feed a mixture of dried flakes and granules along with small live and frozen foods.


Water Temperature


72-82°F (22-28°C)


pH


5.5-7.5.


Hardness


2-10°H


Remark


Hyphessobrycon griemi is similar, but lacks the red coloration, and has more white in its fin.

Bleeding Heart Tetra

Introduction


The body of the Bleeding Heart Tetra is high and deeps.The general color is pinkish silver, and a notable feature is the pink-red spot on the flank below the dorsal fin.Males have large sickle-shaped dorsal fins; those of females are shorter and rounded.Both males and females have long-based anal fins, but those on the males are slightly concave.

Common Name


Spotfin Tetra , Bleeding Heart Tetra , Hyphessobrycon rubrostigma.


Species


Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma


Habitat 


Streams and rivers in Colombia.

Maximum Size


About  3"(7.5cm).


Minimum Tank Size 


A tank measuring at least 36" x 15" x 12" (90cm x 37.7cm x 30cm) - 106 litres.


Diet 


Easy to feed. It will readily accept just about anything offered.They are Omnivorous , so can eat most of the foods.In the aquarium it proves unfussy. Feed a mixture of dried flakes and granules along with small live and frozen foods


Water Temperature


73-82°F (23-28°C).


pH


5.5-7.2.


Hardness


2-12°H


Remark


This peaceful species is apt to dart around when startled and appreciates plenty of swimming space.Captive breeding is uncommon.The lesser Bleeding Heart Tetra , a similar-looking species has more rounded and less exaggerated finnage.