Von Rio tetra (Hyphessobrycon flammeus)

Hyphessobrycon flammeus, the scientific name for the Von Rio tetra, is a small, colorful fish that adds a pop of color to any aquarium. It is a favorite of both novice and expert aquarists due to its eye-catching orange-red color and serene disposition.

This species is indigenous to Brazil’s rivers and streams, especially those near Rio de Janeiro, from which it gets its common name. These fish flourish in slow-moving, verdant waters in the wild, which offer the ideal setting for them to explore and hide.

The Von Rio tetra is a resilient and adaptable fish that requires little maintenance in a home aquarium. In groups, where their social behavior can be fully observed, they perform best. These tetras can live for several years under the correct conditions, and their lively swimming and entertaining interactions will bring you endless pleasure.

Habitat and range

Brazil in South America.

Its current distribution is somewhat uncertain, but it is restricted to the neighboring states of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro in southeast Brazil.

Only the coastal regions of Rio de Janeiro, such as the rivers and streams that empty into Guanabara Bay, Rio Paraiba do Sul, and Rio Guanda, are home to them. The population of Sao Paulo is concentrated to the east and west of the city, between the cities of Suzano and Salopolis, in the Itaqueriqueri da Serra area. They have been documented in the upper reaches of the Tietê River, which flows into the upper basin of the Rio Paraná.

São Paulo’s Tietê and Paraíba do Sul rivers’ headwaters are near to one another, suggesting that they were once part of a single body that originated from the Serra do Mar mountain. H. fluammeus is not found in the upper Paraíba do Sul, despite sharing several fish species, so there is a distance of several hundred kilometers between the populations in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.

Because the city of São Paulo is a center of the ornamental trade, Carvalho et al. (2014) suggest that the species was actually introduced—either intentionally or unintentionally—to the São Paulo metropolitan area by aquarists or commercial breeders. It also appears to be limited to partially degraded habitats within the metropolitan area, absent from nearby pristine natural areas. To clear up this confusion, molecular analysis is required.

The rivers that support this fish are heavily impacted by dam construction, water diversions, pollution, alien species (there are over 40 exotic freshwater fish in Rio Paraiba do Sul alone), and other human degradations. These rivers run through one of the most industrialized and densely populated regions of Brazil. This species has not been found in the area since 1992, but this does not imply that it has gone extinct. The last scientific records from the area surrounding Rio de Janeiro date from that year. Consequently, H. flammeus has been listed as an endangered fish species in Brazil since 2004.

Habitat

Though they have been found in the upper Rio Tietê’s periphery, it favors tiny, slow-moving tributaries and streams that are less than 50 centimeters deep and covered in aquatic vegetation. Sand substrate and clear, transparent, or brownish water are typical features of their habitats.

The Yellow Tetra (Hyphessobrycon bifasciatus), H. luetkeni, Astyanax parahybae, Brycon insignis, Corydoras nattereri, Pogonopoma parahybae, Hypostomus auroguttatus, Steindachneridion parahybae, Phalloceros reisi, and Geophagus brasiliensis are some of the other residents of these locations, though they are not necessarily endemic fish species in this area.

Description

Tetra’s typical form, like that of every other member of the genus. The body is compressed from the sides and thickened in the middle.

It gets its name from its amazing fiery coloring, "flammeus." The body is usually silvery in front and turns orange-red at the back. It is particularly bright near the base of the fins and covers the anal fin entirely. The fins, except for the pectoral, are brick red, while the back of the body is a vivid red color. The upper portion of the black dorsal fin has a white marking. Two distinct transverse black bands taper towards the bottom behind the gills.

Size

A maximum of 4 cm is the standard length.

Behavior and compatibility

These fish are calm, which makes them perfect for living in a carefully selected aquarium community.

Ideal for keeping alongside fish of a similar size, including small callichthyid or loricariid catfish, lebiasines, characins, and medium-sized non-predatory cichlids.

If possible, try to obtain a mixed-sex group of at least 8–10 animals. This species exhibits more interesting behavior and brighter colors when kept in a school, and males compete with females to form temporary hierarchies.

Aquarium

The smallest aquarium should have basic measurements of 60 x 30 cm or smaller.

Though they exhibit their most beautiful coloring when housed in an established aquarium with live plants and a dark substrate, the choice of decoration is not very crucial.

A soft sandy substrate combined with naturally occurring driftwood, roots, and branches arranged to create lots of shaded spots can make for an arrangement that looks very natural.

The inclusion of dried leaves highlights the biotope-like atmosphere and, along with it, the development of advantageous bacterial colonies as they break down. The tannins and other compounds in the leaves help to mimic natural conditions, and they can offer a valuable secondary food source for the fry. The leaves can be changed out every few weeks or left in the aquarium until they have completely broken down.

Relatively low light levels are ideal for this species, which floating plants will also benefit from.

Water parameters

Temperature: 22–28°C; Hardness: 5–25° / 3–15° DH; pH: 5.5–7.5.

They require clean water and are intolerant of organic matter buildup, like many fish that live in pristine, undisturbed environments in the wild. As such, weekly water changes should be routine and they should never be added to an aquarium that is still developing biologically.

The vibrant beauty of an aquarium can be enhanced by the Von Rio tetra (Hyphessobrycon flammeus), a small and colorful freshwater fish. This fish, which is well-known for its tranquil disposition and eye-catching red and orange colors, is simple to maintain and perfect for novice and expert aquarium keepers alike. It is a well-liked option for community tanks due to its gregarious nature and ability to get along with other peaceful species.

Diet

Omnivorous, they consume a variety of foods in the wild, including filamentous algae, small invertebrates, crustaceans, and organic debris.

It can live on dry food in an aquarium, but like most aquarium fish, it’s best to provide a varied menu that includes live and frozen bloodworms, tubifex, daphnia, moina, and other items.

Small portions should be given several times a day.

Sexual Dimorphism

Compared to females, adult males typically have less deep-bodied bodies, slightly smaller statures, and more vibrant colors.

The lower portion of the anal fin in males is more curved in females, and males have bony hooks on their pelvic and anal fins, which are absent in females.

Breeding

These are fish that let their eggs drop freely and neglect them.

Adult fish frequently spawn in a healthy aquarium; a small number of fry may appear on their own without any help, but a more regulated approach will be needed if you want to maximize the number of offspring.

Use the aquarium that has been supplied with water. Since caviar is light-sensitive, it is important to remember that very little light should be present. This will encourage spawning. On the bottom of the spawning aquarium, a grid the size of a cell is placed so that eggs can fall through it, but it is small enough that manufacturers cannot reach the eggs. In addition, a common "herbal" plastic coating can be applied and is effective. An artificial fiber washcloth can also work well, or you could cover most of the spawning aquarium with small-leafed plants like Javanese moss.

The water should have a temperature in the upper range of 27 °C, a stiffness of 3 – 5 ° DGH, and a slightly acidic neutral value of PH 5.5–6.5. An air filter made of a sponge or simply an air stone (spray) must be installed in order to completely saturate the water with oxygen and its movement.

A single pair of fish or a group of fish with one or two males and several females can be moved to the spawning tank and left there until eggs are discovered (usually the following morning) if the breeders are well-prepared.

Up to 300 eggs can be spawned by the female. After spawning is finished, take the breeders out. After 24 to 36 hours, the larvae hatch, and after 3 to 4 days, they can swim. Early on, the young are light-sensitive and need the environment to be as dark as possible.

When the fry get big enough to eat microworms (nematodes), give them Artemia nauplii, or Infusoria-slipper, or high-quality dry micro food with a fraction of only 5 to 50 microns.

The average lifespan is four to five years.

Aspect Details
Scientific Name Hyphessobrycon flammeus
Common Name Von Rio Tetra
Size Up to 4 cm
Water Temperature 22-28°C (72-82°F)
pH Level 6.0-7.5
Diet Omnivore
Lifespan 3-5 years

With its vivid colors and serene disposition, the Von Rio tetra is a great option for both novice and seasoned aquarium hobbyists. Its resilient character makes maintenance simple, and its vibrant presence infuses vitality into any tank.

It is crucial to maintain an aquarium environment that is well-balanced in order to keep these tetras healthy. If given ample room to swim and explore, a school of Von Rio tetras will exhibit optimal behavior and colors.

All things considered, the Von Rio tetra is a delightful addition to any community tank, requiring little maintenance and offering both beauty and entertainment. Aquarists love them for their eye-catching appearance and upbeat personality.

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Ivan Kononov

Experienced aquarist with an emphasis on breeding and keeping exotic aquarium fish. Author of many articles and books on the topic of aquarium keeping. Always in search of new species and interesting solutions for home aquariums. I believe that an aquarium is not only a home decoration, but also a means of studying nature and its laws.

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