Colombian Tetra (Hyphessobrycon columbianus)

Care Requirements

Colombian Tetras require clean, stable and well-filtered water. They should not be kept in an aquarium that is too small, as a lack of space can make them nervous and cause them to bother other fish.

The aquarium can be densely planted around the sides and back, while leaving open swimming space in the centre. Suitable plants include Java Moss, Anubias, Cryptocoryne, Vallisneria, Java Fern, Hygrophila, Limnophila and floating plants.

A dark substrate, driftwood and moderate lighting help highlight the bluish body and red fins. Ammonia and nitrite levels should be 0 mg/l.

Water and Environment

Colombian Tetra is a freshwater fish and does not require the addition of salt. It prefers stable water parameters, clean water, plants, hiding places and plenty of open space for active swimming.

In the wild, it originates from South America, from river systems in Colombia, where it inhabits freshwater areas with vegetation, roots and open swimming zones.

Feeding

Colombian Tetra is omnivorous and accepts a varied diet. Suitable foods include high-quality flakes, fine and medium-sized granules, microgranules, frozen or live brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, bloodworms and specialised foods for tetras.

Suitable prepared foods include Tropical Supervit, Tropical Supervit Mini Granulat, Tropical Vitality & Color, Hikari Micro Pellets and Fluval Bug Bites Tropical Formula Small Granules.

Feed moderately 1-2 times a day, offering only as much food as the fish can consume within 1-2 minutes.

Behaviour and Tank Mates

Colombian Tetra is a social and schooling fish. In a larger group, it feels more secure, displays more intense coloration and exhibits more natural behaviour. Males may occasionally chase and display towards one another.

The species swims mainly in the middle levels of the aquarium. It is peaceful, but quite energetic, making it less suitable for very calm or timid species.

Suitable tank mates include other medium-sized tetras, Black Skirt Tetras, Silvertip Tetras, Corydoras, bristlenose catfish, Otocinclus, peaceful dwarf cichlids, larger rasboras and peaceful catfish.

It is not suitable for keeping with very small fish, small shrimp, Bettas, aggressive cichlids or large predatory fish.

Breeding

Colombian Tetra is an egg-laying fish. Breeding is possible in a separate tank with clean, soft to moderately hard water and low to moderate lighting.

Java Moss, a fine mesh or dense vegetation can be used. After spawning, the adults should be removed, as they may eat the eggs.

The eggs usually hatch after 24-36 hours, and the fry begin swimming freely a few days later.

Initially, the fry require infusoria or specialised fine fry food, and later they can be offered newly hatched brine shrimp.

Common Problems and Prevention

Under unsuitable conditions, the species may become nervous, lose coloration or begin bothering other fish. The most common causes are an undersized aquarium, a group that is too small, poor water quality, overcrowding and unsuitable tank mates.

Signs of problems may include fading coloration, clamped or damaged fins, loss of appetite, rapid breathing, separating from the group, rubbing against objects, white spots or unusual swimming behaviour.

The best prevention is a spacious aquarium, stable temperature, good filtration, regular water changes, a sufficiently large group, moderate feeding and careful selection of tank mates.