Flame Tetra (Hyphessobrycon flammeus)
| Flame Tetra Hyphessobrycon flammeus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Flame Tetra |
| Name Lat. | Hyphessobrycon flammeus |
| Family | Characins |
| Family lat. | Characidae |
| Order | Characins |
| Order lat. | Characiformes |
| Origin | Brazil |
| Habitat | Streams |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| pH | 5.5-7.5 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 4-5 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 3-4 cm |
| Temperature | 20-26 °C |
| Hardness | 1-12 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 60 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 1.2"-1.6" |
| Temperature | 68-79 °F |
| Hardness | 18-214 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 15 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the Rio reds are coastal waters around Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. They live in slow-flowing, small rivers and in the still water of 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), 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 schooling fish that are well suited for any community tank. At least 5, but preferably more Reds of Rio should be kept together.
In principle, only mutually compatible fish species with similar requirements for water quality and water temperature may be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The males have red anal fins, in females they are light red to yellow and more rounded. The pectoral fin tips are black only in the female.
Reproduction and breeding
In soft, slightly acidic peat water, they usually spawn up to 300 eggs between fine-feathered plants (free spawners). The larvae hatch after approx. 24 hours and swim freely after 2-3 days.
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (dust food, Artemia nauplii). 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 at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the pollutant 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: Sabina Lamboj; Image: petdata
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