Sovichthys Tetra (Hyphessobrycon sovichthys)

Sovichthys Tetra Hyphessobrycon sovichthys
Name	Sovichthys Tetra
Name Lat.	Hyphessobrycon sovichthys
Family	Characins
Family lat.	Characidae
Order	Characins
Order lat.	Characiformes
Origin	South America
Habitat	Streams, ponds
Diet	Omnivore
pH	5.5-7.5
Behavior	Peaceful
Keeping	Group
Care Level	Moderate
Reproduction	Egg scatterer
Breeding	Difficult
Life Span	2-4 years
Protection	No
Metric Units
Size	3 cm
Temperature	24-28 °C
Hardness	1-10 °dH
Aquarium	60 cm / 54 l
US Units
Size	1.2"
Temperature	75-82 °F
Hardness	18-178 ppm
Aquarium	15 gal

Distribution and habitat

The distribution area of the Sovichthys tetra is the Maracaibo Basin in Venezuela. They live in the still water of small rivers and streams as well as in lakes and ponds with dense riparian vegetation and 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 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 high-quality dry food (granules, flakes, etc.) supplemented with live or frozen cyclops, daphnia, mosquito larvae, artemia, tubifex, etc. or a commercially available frozen food mix. In addition, they need regular vegetable food, such as pureed leafy and wild vegetables, algae leaves or dry food with high vegetable content (spirulina, kelp).

Only feed as much as is eaten immediately (in 10 minutes or less). A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.

Behaviour and compatibility

They are peaceful and compatible schooling fish. At least 5, but preferably many more Sovichthys tetras should be kept together. They can be kept well with other peaceful fish in a community aquarium.

Basically, only mutually compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature should be socialized.

Sex dimorphism

The sexes are difficult to distinguish. The males are slimmer, smaller and somewhat more intensely colored than the more rounded appearing females.

Reproduction and breeding

Breeding in the aquarium is said to have been successful occasionally, but there is no reliable information. In soft, slightly acidic water they usually spawn between fine-feathered plants (free spawners). The very light-sensitive larvae hatch after about 24 hours and swim freely after 3-4 days.

Juveniles must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (e.g. Artemia nauplii, dust food). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the spawn is easy prey.

Important

Adequate feeding of plant food reduces the risk of fish eating the tender shoots of aquatic plants.

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: Werner Winter; 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