Dawn Tetra (Hyphessobrycon eos)
| Dawn Tetra Hyphessobrycon eos | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Dawn Tetra |
| Name Lat. | Hyphessobrycon eos |
| Family | Characins |
| Family lat. | Characidae |
| Order | Characins |
| Order lat. | Characiformes |
| Origin | South America |
| Habitat | Streams, ponds |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | Difficult |
| Life Span | 3-5 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 4 cm |
| Temperature | 23-28 °C |
| Hardness | 5-15 °dH |
| Aquarium | 60 cm / 54 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 1.6" |
| Temperature | 73-82 °F |
| Hardness | 89-267 ppm |
| Aquarium | 15 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the sunspot tetra is slow flowing and stagnant waters in Guyana. They live in small rivers, still water of streams and lakes 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), shaded light (floating plants) and a weak current is ideal.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
The food supply consists of live food, such as daphnia, cyclops, artemia and mosquito larvae, which is also eaten in frozen form, supplemented with frozen food mixtures. Dry food, such as flake and granulated food is also well accepted. In addition, they occasionally require vegetable food, such as crushed peas, mashed leafy and wild vegetables, or dry food with high vegetable content (spirulina, kelp).
A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance. Only feed as much as is eaten immediately (in a maximum of 10 minutes).
Behaviour and compatibility
They are peaceful and calm schooling fish that can be socialized with other peaceful, not too lively fish. At least 5, but preferably much more sunspot tetras should be kept together.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar requirements for water conditions and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The males are slimmer, smaller and somewhat more intensely colored than the more plump females.
Reproduction and breeding
There is no reliable information about breeding in the aquarium, but it is said to have been successful occasionally. In soft, slightly acidic water they spawn mostly between fine-feathered plants (free spawners). The very light-sensitive larvae hatch after about 24 hours and swim freely after 3-4 days.
Juveniles must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii, dust food). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the spawn is easy prey.
Important
Feeding plant food reduces the risk of fish eating the tender shoots of aquatic plants.
The well-being of the fish should be checked 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 if the contaminant level has 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: Werner Winter; Image: Ruinemans Aquarium B.V.
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF