With its vivid colors and serene disposition, the Kitty Tetra (Hyphessobrycon heliacus) is a delightful addition to any freshwater aquarium. Aquarium enthusiasts love this little schooling fish because it can add a vibrant and eye-catching presence to your tank.
Originating in the warm, leisurely-moving waters of South America, the Kitty Tetra is a great option for novices and experts alike due to its ease of maintenance. It lives best in groups where it can exhibit its entire range of natural colors and activity due to its striking appearance and social behavior.
The essentials of taking care of a Kitty Tetra, such as its diet, compatibility with other fish, and habitat requirements, will be discussed in this article. You will discover useful advice to make sure these tetras stay healthy and vibrant, whether you are thinking about adding them to your aquarium or simply want to enhance their surroundings.
Habitat and Environment
South America: Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, along the Telis Pires River in the upper Tapajos basin.
Inhabits swift rivers that are located in outlying regions with relatively clear, slow-moving or stagnant water that ranges in depth from 0 to 2 meters. There is a lot of underwater vegetation and a silty bottom.
Description
The body is tall and distinctly rounded on the sides. The iris is yellow, the pupil is black, and the eyes are big. The eye’s upper third is red.
The hue is golden, gradually transitioning to a golden-olive in the upper region. Black lines close to the gill covers. Unpaired fins, brighter in males, with a pinkish tint. a sizable black patch near the caudal peduncle’s base. This area flows smoothly into a narrow black border in males and reaches the tail, capturing the anal fin at its edge.
The dorsal fin is tall and has a sickle shape. In comparison to other characin species of a comparable size, the adipose fin of this species is considerably larger and is firmly shifted towards the caudal fin.
Size:
The length typically doesn’t go over 30 mm.
Behavior and compatibility
Must be housed in a minimum of six fish per group.
Usually remain nearer the bottom and in the middle layer of the water. They are sedentary in their natural state and are capable of freezing motionless motion. After feeding, they become extremely active, racing around the aquarium in a close-knit school.
A great complement to a community aquarium with other peaceful small fish. compatible with fish species such as carp and characin that are quiet and small.
This is a schooling species, so try to purchase as many as you can in groups of ten or more. In large groups, the fish behave more naturally and are more active and fearless. They are also more visible and have better colors.
Aquarium
Since the fish are schooling, it is best to keep at least 10 of them in an aquarium that is at least 100 liters in size.A pair will require an aquarium that is at least 20 liters in size.
The aquarium requires spaces with lots of vegetation as well as open water for swimming. Any kind of plant you choose can be planted; the fish won’t care.
The lighting needs to be varied in order for the color to pop. The pink on the fins and the emerald color on the back are most noticeable in this range.
Water parameters:
In the range of 23 to 28 °C pH range: 5.5 to 7.0 Hardness: 12 ° dGH and higher
They can withstand brief variations in temperature.
Installing an aerator and a filter is advised. Weekly water changes of 25% should be made, and the water’s nitrogen content should be closely observed.
Nutrition
In the wild, they eat tiny insects and invertebrates called phyto- and zooplankton that have fallen into or reside in water.
It is omnivorous and will eat any kind of food that is the right size in an aquarium. Regular feeding with small live and frozen foods, such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia, along with dried flakes and granules, will improve condition and coloring.
Sexual Dimorphism
Males have longer dorsal fins and are larger and brighter than females. The caudal peduncle spot in mature males forms a black border that extends to the base of the caudal fin.
By six months, the fish exhibit sexual differences, and by eight months, they are able to reproduce.
| Aspect | Details |
| Scientific Name | Hyphessobrycon heliacus |
| Common Name | Kitty Tetra |
| Origin | South America |
| Size | Up to 4 cm |
| Tank Size | Minimum 20 liters |
| Water Temperature | 22-28°C |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Behavior | Peaceful, prefers to be in groups |
| Lifespan | 3-5 years |
| pH Range | 6.0-7.5 |
The Kitty Tetra is a wonderful addition to any community aquarium because of its cheerful colors and serene disposition. It is a fantastic option for both novice and seasoned aquarists due to its compact size and simplicity of maintenance.
These fish will flourish and show off their entire color spectrum if their habitat is kept in good health, with the right water parameters and a balance of food. It can be very satisfying to watch them swim together in a well-planted tank.
The Kitty Tetra is a fantastic option that will add life and beauty to your aquarium, whether you’re looking to add a splash of color or just enjoy the serene presence of schooling fish.
The Kitty Tetra, or Hyphessobrycon heliacus, is a common fish in home aquariums because of its striking coloration and calm disposition. It is a small, vibrant freshwater fish. With its energetic swimming patterns, this species, which prefers to live in groups, gives any tank a vibrant, dynamic touch. The Kitty Tetra is an easy fish to take care of, perfect for novice and expert aquarists alike, as long as they have a clean, well-organized habitat with lots of room for education and a healthy diet to keep their vibrant colors.
