SYN: None
PD: a disc-shaped fish with an arched back and a deep body.
The dorsal fin is large and tall.
The
body ranges in color, depending on the light, from violet to copper.
The belly is lighter in color, sometimes
yellow. Just behind the gill cover, there is a shiny copper marking.
The upper part of the iris is red and
the mouth is turned upwards.
The fins are transparent.
Near the base of the tail is a copper colored line that extends midway
across the body.
Below this is a thick black band.
SIZE: To 2.5" (6.4 cm)
SS: None
HAB: South America; shaded creeks, brooks, and river bends in Peruvian Amazon near Iquitos.
S: middle
TANK: 16" (40 cm) or 5 gallons (19 L).
The tank requirements are the same as
H. ocellifer
.
WATER: pH 5-7 (6.6), 4-15 dH (8), 72-82°F (22-28°C)
SB: A peaceful schooling fish recommended for a community tank.
Occasionally males may hassle gravid
females in bare tank with no hiding places.
SC: See H.
ocellifer.
FOOD: Flake; live; insect larvae, Brine Shrimp, Tubifex, small aquatic insects.
SEX: The male is smaller, slenderer, and has a pointed swim bladder.
B: This fish can be difficult to breed in that pairs do not always spawn together. The
male should be replaced if this happens.
Once a pair is established they can be very prolific.
These fish tend to spawn in slightly
warmer, soft, acidic water.
Spawning takes place among plants, and eggs are dropped. Remove the parents.
The
eggs hatch in 20-25 hours and the fry are free-swimming after 2-3 days.
Start feeding with small live foods.
BP: 8.
The Pretty Tetra is a difficult fish to breed.
R: This species is not common in the hobby as other
Hemigrammus species.
There are two sub-species.
DC: 2.
The Pretty Tetra is a hardy fish, excellent for the beginning aquariast.