Columbian tetra (Hyphessobrycon columbianus)

Aquarium enthusiasts have come to love the striking freshwater fish known as the Columbian tetra, or Hyphessobrycon columbianus. It’s a great option for both novice and seasoned hobbyists due to its vivid colors, energetic nature, and ease of maintenance.

With its brilliant red fins and shimmering silver-blue body, this tetra species stands out and gives any aquarium a burst of color. The Columbian tetra is renowned for being a calm fish that thrives in a community tank environment, despite its striking appearance.

These tetras are hardy and adaptable, which makes them simple to keep in a home aquarium. They are native to the rivers of Colombia. Since they do best in educational settings, it is advised to house them in groups of no fewer than six in order to provide for their comfort and promote natural behavior.

Habitat and habitat

South America: Colombia, the Acandi River basin.

Found only in the Acandi River, which is located in the northern Colombian department of Chocó, close to the Panamanian border, six kilometers downstream from the city of Acandi.

The habitat consists of slow-moving small forest streams and tributaries that support aquatic and marsh plants, decaying organic materials, branches, etc.

Plant decomposition is the source of water acidification. The water tends to turn brown as a result of this phenomenon. The water becomes so dark in certain places that are especially high in organic matter that it is called "black water."

Description

The dorsal fin reaches far back and is fairly tall. The area of the back with a hump in front of the dorsal fin is frequently slightly elevated. The dorsal fin of some specimens may be yellow to orange in color. The head tapers to a rounded mouth with powerful jaws for a small fish and fairly large teeth. These fish appear to be active predators with large eyes that are proportionately larger than those of many other species. Their keen vision aids in both spotting prey and avoiding possible predators. An active swimmer designed for quick bursts of high speed, with a high, sharp-edged caudal fin and a narrow, well-developed caudal peduncle.

In ideal circumstances, the slightly iridescent pastel blue color of the back and upper body spreads downward to cover the entire side. A vivid blue stripe running along the lateral line is a feature of particularly striking specimens. This fish can appear entirely blue because of its brilliant metallic silver underbelly, which sometimes functions as a mirror to reflect back blue light from above.

The red portion of this fish’s color is composed of its pelvic and caudal fins. The rays are red in the beginning and become more intense as they move backward from the front edge of the anal fin, which is elongated in both sexes. A kind of residual pinkish glow can be seen on some specimens along the body, directly above the anal fin. The entire caudal fin is completely covered in a brilliant, fiery red color, and in certain specimens, the caudal peduncle as well. Similar to the dorsal and caudal fins, the anal fin typically has a whitish tip and a black edge.

These colors can be more vibrant if the fish are kept in proper conditions, as is the case with most tropical fish. On the other hand, if kept under stressful or subpar conditions, their coloration will be washed out or dulled.

Size:

50–65 mm is the maximum standard length.

Behavior and compatibility

They are lively yet generally peaceful species, which makes them perfect for living in a well-chosen community aquarium. They are not territorial, but they can act aggressively toward other animals on occasion.

Medium-sized non-predatory cichlids, small callichthyid or loricariid catfish, and characins and conspecifics of a similar size are probably the best companions for them.

For more natural and calm behavior, try to gather a mixed group of at least 8–10 fish, and include other schooling fish for protection.

Aquarium

Aquarium size, with 90 x 40 cm or similar basic dimensions as a minimum. A volume of 100 liters is advised.

These fish are most at ease in aquariums with lots of snags and other hiding places, beech or oak leaves at the bottom, and sand as the substrate. They also do well in aquariums delayed by plants. Predators are common in their natural habitat, and any h. Columbianus that is unable to find shelter quickly becomes easy prey. For these fish, the aquarium’s lack of snags and submerged vegetation will be a major source of stress.

Sufficient to endure in a comparatively broad range of temperatures and PH values, and rapidly adjusts to novel surroundings. Their ideal water temperature range is between 24 and 26 °C. They prefer neutral or slightly acidic water.

Water parameters:

Outside temperature: 20–28 °C pH: 5.0–7.5; StRESS: 1–12 degrees DGH

Remember to completely replace the filter and replace the water. Since these fish are native to clean running water, try to limit the amount of waste that contains nitrogen.

Nutrition

Being omnivorous, it consumes worms, crustaceans, algae, zooplankton, and insect larvae in its natural habitat.

It can live on dry food in aquariums, but it’s best to provide a varied menu. In this case, the food should include frozen and live items like bloodworms, corethra, daphnia, brine shrimp, tubifex, etc. Make sure your diet includes dry food that has plant components.

The fish will thank you for feeding it a variety of foods by showing you its best coloring and natural behavior.

Sexual Dimorphism

Compared to females, mature males have a more elongated dorsal fin, a thinner body, and a color that is noticeably more intense.

Aquarium enthusiasts often choose the Columbian tetra (Hyphessobrycon columbianus), a colorful and resilient freshwater fish with striking blue-silver body and red-tipped fins. Calm and peaceful, these tetras do well in group tanks, need only a little maintenance, and are ideal for novices because they can adapt to a wide range of water types. Any home aquarium gains vibrancy and activity from their energetic behavior and friendly interactions with other non-aggressive species.

Breeding

Breeds similarly to other species in this genus.

When the conditions are right, adults frequently spawn, and in an aquarium that has reached biological maturity, a few fry may show up on their own without your help.

However, a more controlled approach and the use of a separate tank are necessary if you want to maximize the hatch rate.

A 20-liter spawning tank. To provide a spot for the fish to lay their eggs, this should have some small-leaved plants, like Java moss, and be softly lit. As an alternative, you could place some mesh over the tank’s bottom. The mesh ought to be both big enough for the eggs to fall through and tiny enough for the breeders to not be able to get to them. You can also use the widely accessible, effective plastic "grass" type mats.

The pH of the water itself should be in the upper ranges mentioned above, ranging from slightly acidic to neutral.

It is also necessary to install air stones or a spongy air filter to guarantee water movement and oxygenation.

It is best to keep the males and females apart prior to spawning, and to feed them liberally. One pair or a group of one or two males and several females can be placed in each spawning tank by well-prepared breeders, and they can be left to spawn until eggs are found (usually the following morning).

A healthy, mature female can lay up to 2000 eggs, which hatch in 24-36 hours and leave the larvae with a large yolk sac. Spawning typically lasts 2-4 hours, and the breeders are removed right away.

For the initial few days, they should be fed infusoria or specialized dry food that is relatively small (5–50 microns), until they grow big enough to eat brine shrimp nauplii, cyclops, and microworms.

Under ideal circumstances, the lifespan is roughly five years.

For the majority of freshwater aquariums, the Colombian tetra is a fantastic addition. Hobbyists love it for its lively personality and brilliant colors. Its resilient nature also makes it a great option for novices seeking a visually striking but low-maintenance fish.

Colombian tetras can add energy to the tank and exhibit fascinating behavior when housed in classrooms. Since they are calm fish, they get along well in communal aquariums with other non-aggressive species. For them to flourish, just make sure there are lots of plants and open swimming areas.

All things considered, the Colombian tetra is an excellent choice if you’re searching for a vibrant, active, and generally low-maintenance fish. Regardless of your level of experience with fishkeeping, this species can give your aquarium a vibrant, lovely touch.

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