Red Laser Tetra (Hemigrammus coeruleus)

Red Laser Tetra Hemigrammus coeruleus
Name	Red Laser Tetra
Name Lat.	Hemigrammus coeruleus
Family	Characins
Family lat.	Characidae
Order	Characins
Order lat.	Characiformes
Origin	Brazil
Habitat	Streams, ponds
Diet	Carnivore
pH	5.5-7.0
Behavior	Peaceful
Keeping	Group, school
Care Level	Moderate
Reproduction	Egg scatterer
Breeding	Difficult
Life Span	3-5 years
Protection	No
Metric Units
Size	5-6 cm
Temperature	22-28 °C
Hardness	1-10 °dH
Aquarium	~ 120 l
US Units
Size	2"-2.4"
Temperature	72-82 °F
Hardness	18-178 ppm
Aquarium	~ 30 gal

Distribution and habitat

The Chameleon Tetras originate from the catchment area of the Rio Solimoes, a tributary of the Rio Negro in Brazil. They live in the still water of rivers, in side arms and 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) 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 mainly on small insects, 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, micro-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 peaceful 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 may be socialized

Sex dimorphism

The sexes are difficult to distinguish, only during courtship the male turns blood red. The male has a flat belly compared to the female. The female is stockier and appears 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 after 4-5 days. The parents do not perform brood care and should be separated from the fry after spawning, as they are spawn predators.

Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (dust food, microworms). 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: Franz Lowak

Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); BAENSCH & EVERS (2004): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 6, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF