Kitty tetra - Hyphessobrycon heliacus

Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon heliacus

Common name: Kitty tetra

Family: Characidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 2 - 3 cm (0.79 - 1.18 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.4 - 7

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 1 - 13°N (17.86 - 232.14ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 23 - 27 °C (73.4 - 80.6°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Top levels

Food and feeding

Not a fussy eater; use a quality flake or pellets for the staple diet but also offer them treats of daphnia, blood worms, and brine shrimp.

Origin

South America; Kitty tetras are found in the Rio Xingu-Brazil

Sexing

Males are larger than the females with a flag dorsal fin. They will also have extended pelvic and anal fins. The males will also have a brighter orange and red colouration on their flanks and fins.

Breeding

Kitty tetras are typical egg scatterers. Add Java moss or spawning mops to the breeding tank and remove the parents once spawning is complete. The eggs should hatch after 24-36 hours and a few days later the fry will be free swimming. They can be fed on Infusoria until large enough to accept newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Hyphessobrycon heliacus is 2-5 years.

Short description

Hyphessobrycon heliacus do best in small groups of at least 6 specimens but ensure that there are an equal number of males to females for the best displays and colouration. They are peaceful and will do well in a community set up.

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.