Red base tetra - Hemigrammus stictus

Food and feeding
The red Base Tetra can be a fussy eater initially but once settled should accept all foods. Use quality flake or pellets as the staple diet, to keep them interested in the foods give them treats of brine shrimp and blood worms twice a week.

Origin
South America; they are found in the waterways of Guyana and Colombia.

Sexing
Females will be larger than the males and have a plumper body shape.

Breeding
It can be difficult to get these to spawn but it is possible. Provide them with acidic water that is well filtered and add some plants to the breeding tank. The eggs will be laid amongst the plants and the fry should hatch out after 1 day. When the fry are free swimming, they can be fed on Infusoria or rotifers. After a week they should accept newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan
The expected life span of this fish is 5-8 years.

Short description
Provide these fish with soft, acidic water and plenty of rocks or wood to provide hiding places. They prefer subdued lighting and add some plants to the tank to make them feel at ease. They are a peaceful species and can be added to a community tank with no problems.

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