Crystal Red Tetra (Hyphessobrycon haraldschultzi)
| Crystal Red Tetra Hyphessobrycon haraldschultzi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Crystal Red Tetra |
| Name Lat. | Hyphessobrycon haraldschultzi |
| Synonym | Hemigrammus haraldschultzi |
| Family | Characins |
| Family lat. | Characidae |
| Order | Characins |
| Order lat. | Characiformes |
| Origin | Brazil |
| Habitat | Streams, ponds |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 5.5-7.0 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group, school |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | Difficult |
| Life Span | 3-5 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 4 cm |
| Temperature | 22-26 °C |
| Hardness | 1-8 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 100 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 1.6" |
| Temperature | 72-79 °F |
| Hardness | 18-142 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 25 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The red signal tetras originate from the catchment area of the Rio Araguaia in Brazil. They live in the still water of rivers, in side arms and streams with dense riparian vegetation as well as tree roots and branches protruding into the water.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a varied, partly dense planting, with shelters and hiding places (roots) and provide sufficient swimming space. A dark substrate covered with some foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves) and shaded light (floating plants) is ideal.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable in the water, and the nitrate value should not exceed 50 mg/l. To ensure water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the size of the aquarium is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
In nature they feed mainly on small insects, larvae and plankton. The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high-quality, protein-rich dry food (flakes, granules, micro-pellets) as well as cyclops, moina, daphnia, artemia, mosquito larvae, etc. (live or frozen)
It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day. Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
These peaceful schooling fish can be kept very well with other small and peaceful fish as well as shrimp in a community tank. They should be kept in a group of at least 8-10 individuals. Kept in a group their occasionally quarrelsome behavior remains intraspecific.
Basically, only mutually compatible fish species with similar requirements for water conditions and water temperature should be socialized
Sex dimorphism
The sexes are difficult to distinguish. The male has a flat belly compared to the female. The female is stockier and appears more rounded
Reproduction and breeding
They are free spawners. In soft, slightly acidic peat water they usually spawn between fine-feathered plants. The larvae hatch after about 24 hours and swim freely after 4-5 days. The parents do not perform brood care and should be separated from the fry after spawning, as they are spawn predators.
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (dust food, microworms). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the spawn is easy prey.
Important
The foliage (sea almond tree, oak, etc.) enriches the water with humic substances, naturally lowers the pH and, when rotting, promotes the development of microorganisms, which are a valuable secondary food source.
The well-being of the fish should be monitored regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels should be checked at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store
References
Text: petdata; Image: Franz Lowak
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); BAENSCH & RIEHL (2004): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 4, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF