Red-Blue Peru Tetra (Hyphessobrycon margitae)
| Red-Blue Peru Tetra Hyphessobrycon margitae | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Red-Blue Peru Tetra |
| Name Lat. | Hyphessobrycon margitae |
| Family | Characins |
| Family lat. | Characidae |
| Order | Characins |
| Order lat. | Characiformes |
| Origin | Peru |
| Habitat | Streams |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| pH | 6.0-7.0 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | None reported |
| 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"-1.4" |
| Temperature | 73-82 °F |
| Hardness | 18-178 ppm |
| Aquarium | 20 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the Red Blue Perusal is the catchment area of the Rio Nanay in Peru. They live in the margins of small rivers and in 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
The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high-quality dry food (flakes, granules, pellets) as well as cyclops, daphnia, mosquito larvae, artemia and tubifex (live or frozen). In addition, they need regular vegetable food, such as algae leaves, pureed leafy and wild vegetables or dry food with vegetable ingredients (e.g. spirulina, kelp).
Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.
Behaviour and compatibility
They are lively schooling fish that should be kept in a group of at least 5-10 fish. They can be kept well with other peaceful fish in a community aquarium
Basically, only mutually compatible fish species with similar requirements for water conditions and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
Males are more colorful with a bright blue longitudinal band and have a more pointed dorsal fin. The females appear somewhat more rounded.
Reproduction and breeding
There are no known reports of successful breeding in the aquarium. They are free-layers that spawn among fine-feathered plants and do not practice brood care
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: Ruinemans Aquarium BV
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