Gold Shoulder Rosy Tetra (Hyphessobrycon paepkei)
| Gold Shoulder Rosy Tetra Hyphessobrycon paepkei | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Gold Shoulder Rosy Tetra |
| Name Lat. | Hyphessobrycon paepkei |
| Family | Characins |
| Family lat. | Characidae |
| Order | Characins |
| Order lat. | Characiformes |
| Origin | Brazil |
| Habitat | Forest streams |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 6.0-7.0 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 3-5 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 3-4 cm |
| Temperature | 23-28 °C |
| Hardness | 1-10 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 80 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 1.2"-1.6" |
| Temperature | 73-82 °F |
| Hardness | 18-178 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 20 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the Golden-shouldered Tetra is the catchment area of the Rio Demini, a Rio Negro tributary in Brazil. They live in the riparian areas of small rivers and in forest streams with weak currents, muddy bottoms and dense underwater vegetation.
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 tree, oak), shaded light (floating plants) and soft, slightly acidic water with 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
In nature they feed mainly on small insects, 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, 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 lively 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 5-10 fish.
Basically, only mutually compatible fish species with similar demands on water conditions and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The males are more colorful and have a more pointed dorsal fin. The females appear somewhat 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 from the 5th day. The parents do not engage in 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 (dust food). Breeding is hardly possible in community tanks, as 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 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); ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF