Ember Tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae)
| Ember Tetra Hyphessobrycon amandae | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Ember Tetra |
| Name Lat. | Hyphessobrycon amandae |
| Family | Characins |
| Family lat. | Characidae |
| Order | Characins |
| Order lat. | Characiformes |
| Origin | Brazil |
| Habitat | Tributaries, oxbow lakes |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 5.0-7.0 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Difficult |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 3-5 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 2-3 cm |
| Temperature | 20-28 °C |
| Hardness | 1-10 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 50 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 0.8-1.2" |
| Temperature | 68-82 °F |
| Hardness | 18-178 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 13 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The Sparkensalmler originate from the plant-rich, slowly flowing or stagnant waters in the catchment area of the Rio Araguaia in Mato Grosso (Brazil). They often stay in groups under overhanging riparian vegetation.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a varied, partly dense planting, with shelters and hiding places (roots) and provide sufficient swimming space. Soft, slightly acidic water, 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, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure 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
In nature they feed on insect 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, pellets) as well as cyclops, moina, daphnia, artemia, 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 small, peaceful fish live in groups and can be kept well in a community tank with similar small fish, shrimp and dwarf prawns. They should be kept in a group of at least 5-10 fish.
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. Females have a rounder belly and are usually slightly larger than the more intensely colored males.
Reproduction and breeding
They are free spawners, which spawn 10-100 eggs at night between fine-feathered plants (Java moss). After 24-36 hours the larvae hatch and swim freely after about 4 days. The parents do not perform brood care and should be separated from the fry after spawning, as they are spawn predators.
Juveniles must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii). 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: petdata
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