Spotfin Tetra (Hyphessobrycon socolofi)
| Spotfin Tetra Hyphessobrycon socolofi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Spotfin Tetra |
| Name Lat. | Hyphessobrycon socolofi |
| Family | Characins |
| Family lat. | Characidae |
| Order | Characins |
| Order lat. | Characiformes |
| Origin | Brazil |
| Habitat | Tributaries, forest streams |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 5.0-7.5 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group, school |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 2-3 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 4-5 cm |
| Temperature | 22-28 °C |
| Hardness | 1-12 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 120 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 1.6"-2" |
| Temperature | 72-82 °F |
| Hardness | 18-214 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 30 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the Socolofs cherry spotted tetra is indents of the Rio Negro in Brazil. They live in slow-flowing, nutrient-poor blackwater rivers and streams that originate in humic rainforests and are dark brown in color.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a varied, partly dense planting, with shelters and hiding places (roots) and provide sufficient swimming space. Soft, slightly acidic water, 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
In nature they feed mainly on small insects and larvae. 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
They are peaceful schooling fish that are well suited for community tanks with other calm species as well as with shrimp. They should be kept in a group of at least 5-10 fish.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar requirements for water conditions and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
Males are slimmer, more intensely colored, and easily distinguished from females by their elongated dorsal and anal fins.
Reproduction and breeding
In soft, slightly acidic water they usually spawn between fine-feathered plants (free spawners). The larvae hatch after 24-36 hours and swim freely after 3-4 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). Breeding is hardly possible in community tanks, as the spawn is easy prey.
Important
Kept in a group, their occasional quarrelsome behavior remains intra-species.
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: Werner Winter; Image: petdata
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); BAENSCH & RIEHL (2004): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 2, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF