Aquarium Fish Experts fish tanks

Family: Characidae

Distribution: Hemigrammus melanochrous hails from the middle of the Madeira River basin in Brazil, South America.

PH: 6.0 – 7.5 pH

Temperature: 22 – 28°C (72 – 82°F)

Hardness: 2-15 gdH

Description: Hemigrammus melanochrous will reach a length of 3cm in captivity.  The Hemigrammus species is generally peaceful, sociable and perfect for community tanks.  They should be kept in shoals of at least 6 in order to keep them at their healthiest mentally.

Due to their rarity within the hobby, there is little data available regarding Hemigrammus melanochrous specifically; therefore, information such social habits, sexual dimorphia, and appearance is unavailable.

Diet: The Hemigrammus species usually thrive on an omnivorous diet consisting of flakes and live foods.  Aquarists are advised to ensure the food is in small pieces so that Hemigrammus melanochrous may fit it into their mouths.

Breeding: As there is limited information available regarding Hemigrammus melanochrous, the general method accepted for the Hemigrammus species has been included.

Breeders should separate a male and female Hemigrammus melanochrous from both the shoal and from one another.  These two fish should be around one year old.  Condition them on insect larvae.  A breeding tank consisting of peat-filtered water, dense plantation, natural lighting (only) and a slightly higher temperature should be set up.  Introduce the duo into the breeding tank.  If spawning does not occur within three days, repeat the process.  If it fails a second time, try switching one of the partners.

The parents should be removed once they’ve spawned because they are carnivorous and will eat the eggs.  The newly-hatched fry should be fed on very small food particles such as Infusoria, micro-organisms, baby brine shrimp and flake foods.

Breeding results will generally be quite high, if their natural pattern is anything to go by: in the wild, they can double their original population in a little over a year.

Comments: A shoal of Hemigrammus melanochrous can be kept by themselves in a 40L tank.  However, if you’re aiming for a community tank, you will need at least double the size.  Dense plantation along the sides and back is required, as well as a large open space in the centre for swimming space.  If wanting to show off the colouration to its finest, use a dark substrate.  Top floating plants should also be included in order to diffuse the light.

The Hemigrammus species is a fairly hardy one, and thus is suitable for an aquarist of any experience level.

As Hemigrammus melanochrous is fairly undocumented within the hobby, general information pertaining to the Hemigrammus species has been included.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: They should live happily with other Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They also should be good tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, CorydorasCatfish  (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platy and most Gourami(such as the Blue Gouramiand Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also should live happily with most Danio (particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio)  and also many Killifish could make great tank mates.

Family: Characidae

Distribution: Pristella maxillaris, known commonly as X-ray Tetra, is a pelagic South American species distributed in several parts of the Amazon River basin, the Orinoco River, and some coastal river drainages of the Guianas.  It mostly occurs in ocean waters and in heavily vegetated swamps. 

PH: 6.0 – 8.0

Temperature: 24°C – 28C (75 – 82F)

Hardness: 4 – 18 dH

Description: Pristella maxillaris can reach up to 5 cm in length.  It is a popular species among aquarists thanks to its intricate colouration and peaceful demeanour.  This species has a highly transparent body – reflected in its common name – and a round, small humeral spot.  Males are most slender than females; and you may actually be able to see the eggs inside the females when she is pregnant. Its dorsal fin has a black spot which is over-lined with white and underlined with yellow; its pelvic and anal fins have the same colouration.  Pristella maxillaris has a life expectancy of about five years.

Diet: The X-ray Tetra will eat most foods offered to it, but you should use a quality flake as a staple diet.  Offer it treats of bloodworm, white worms and brine shrimp once or twice a week. 

Breeding: This species will breed easily, but raising the fry is the hard part.  Put a pair in a breeding tank with neutral, moderately hard water.  Provide plenty of vegetation in the tank and make sure there is available swimming space up the front.  The female will lay as many as 500 eggs will be laid, which should hatch in about 2 – 3 days.  The fry will be sensitive to any changes in their environment; it is recommended you make frequent subtle water changes to keep the youngsters healthy.

Comments: This schooling species will require at least a 10 litre tank.  You should provide plenty of open areas for swimming, several plants – particularly when attempting to breed – and some hiding spaces.  A dark soil substrate is recommended so as to highlight the fish’s natural colouration.  The X-ray Tetra is quite easy to maintain and is relatively hardy, making it very suitable for newcomers to the hobby.

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Recommended Compatible Species: This peaceful species is tolerant of many water conditions and makes a great tank mate.  They seem to be compatible with Yoyo Loaches, Opaline Gouramis, Bettas and some Plecos.  You should house Pristella maxillaris in groups of at least 6 – 8.

Family: Characidae

Distribution: The Amazon River basin in Brazil, South America is the location of Hemigrammus neptunus.  They prefer black-water rivers but can be found elsewhere.

PH: 6.0 – 7.5 pH

Temperature: 22 – 28°C (72 – 82°F)

Hardness: 2-15 gdH

Description: Hemigrammus neptunus will reach a length a little over 3cm in captivity.  They display a semi-dull colouration, if compared to other Hemigrammus relatives.  They have an olive-green back and a silver stomach.  A black stripe extends from the base of the caudal fin to the back of the head.  Their fins are semi-transparent with a silver shimmer, except for a large black smudge where the stripe meets the caudal fin.

The Hemigrammus species is usually peaceful and sociable.  They thrive in shoals of at least 6-8 and are generally ideal additions to community tanks.

Diet: The Hemigrammus species enjoys an omnivorous diet of flakes and live foods.

Breeding: Due to their uncommonness within the hobby, there is limited information available regarding the breeding Hemigrammus neptunus; therefore, the general method accepted for the Hemigrammus species has been included.

A pair of Hemigrammus neptunus of at least one year of age should be separated (from both the shoal and from one another) and conditioned on insect larvae.  Set up a breeding tank that has dense plantation, no artificial light, peat-filtered water and a slightly higher temperature.  If the pair do not spawn within three days of being introduced into the breeding tank, repeat the process.  If it still fails, try swapping one of the partners.

Once the parents-to-be have spawned, remove them from the tank as they are carnivorous and will consume the eggs.  Once the fry have hatched, they can be fed on small particles of foods such as Infusoria, baby Brine Shrimp, micro-organisms, and flake foods, amongst others.

Comments: A shoal of Hemigrammus neptunus can be kept by themselves in a 40L tank.  However, a community tank will need to be at least double the size.  Dense plantation along the sides and back is required, as well as a large open space in the centre for swimming space.  If wanting to show off the colouration to its finest, use a dark substrate.  Top floating plants should also be included in order to diffuse the light.

The Hemigrammus species is a fairly hardy one, and thus is suitable for an aquarist of any experience level.

Hemigrammus neptunus is unusual in the hobby, there is a scarcity of information.  Subsequently, general information regarding the Hemigrammus species has been included.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: They should live happily with other Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They also should be good tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, CorydorasCatfish  (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platy and most Gourami(such as the Blue Gouramiand Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also should live happily with most Danio (particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio)  and also many Killifish could make great tank mates.

Family: Characidae

Distribution: There is some dispute over the natural habitat of Hemigrammus boesemani: whilst it is recorded in South American countries Suriname, French Guiana and Peru, the distribution pattern hints that it is either mis-recorded in at least one country, or it has a wider range that has yet to be recorded.  Whatever the case, it displays a preference for slow-moving waters in rivers and tributaries.

PH: 5.5 – 7.0 pH

Temperature: 23 – 26°C (74 – 79°F)

Hardness: 2 – 15 dH

Description: Hemigrammus boesemani will reach a maximum length of 4.5cm and prefers to be kept in shoals (at least 6, preferably ten or more).  It is extremely peaceful which makes it a perfect addition to a community tank.  It will not compete with larger or more active species.

The difference in sexes can be told via the swim bladder.  This organ is visible through the skin, as the fish is somewhat translucent.  In males, the bladder is pointed; but for females, it is rounded.

Diet: Hemigrammus boesemani are extremely easy to feed as they are omnivores that enjoy anything from flakes and pellets to live foods such as brine shrimp.

Breeding: Use the breeding method that is common to the Hemigrammus species.  Set up a separate breeding tank with a pH of 5.5 – 6.5, gH of 1 – 5, and temperature of 27 – 29°C.  They prefer very dim lighting, so keep the tank out of direct sunlight and include floating plants for top cover and dense plantation around the sides.  As the parents will eat the eggs, include some sort of mesh or netting at the bottom of the tank so the eggs may fall through but the parents cannot reach them.  Remove the parents after spawning.  Soft filtration is also required for the set up.

The eggs will hatch in just over 24 hours, and the fry will be swimming around 3-4 days later.  Feed the fry on infusoria for the first few days and then move onto microworm or baby brine.  Both eggs and fry are extremely sensitive to light, so keep the tank in as much darkness as possible.

Hemigrammus boesemani may be spawned in groups (half a dozen of each sex) or in pairs.

Comments: The tank set up can be expensive and time consuming.  It requires river sand as substrate and the addition of driftwood branches and roots.  Dried leaves left for a few weeks each time will ‘stain’ the water and mimic the natural environment of Hemigrammus boesemani.

This fish is extremely rare in stores and auctions and are quickly bought.

It is best to keep this species with a one male to two female ratio.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: They should live happily with other Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They also should be good tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, CorydorasCatfish  (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platy and most Gourami(such as the Blue Gouramiand Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also should live happily with most Danio (particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio)  and also many Killifish could make great tank mates.

Family: Characidae

Distribution: The Amazon River basin in South America is where Hyphessobrycon melazonatus calls home.

PH: 6.0 – 7.5 pH

Temperature: 22 – 28 °C (72 – 82 °F)

Hardness: 2 – 15 dH

Description: Hyphessobrycon melazonatus will reach a maximum length just short of 4cm.  This species is generally peaceful, active and non-aggressive.  They are good additions to any community or species-specific tank.  They will thrive when kept in groups no less than six.

Hyphessobrycon melazonatus are rare in the hobby and therefore there is a lack of data such as colouration and specific social behaviours.

Diet: The Hyphessobrycon species thrive on omnivorous diets.  Your Hyphessobrycon melazonatus will enjoy a diet that is primarily flakes or pellets with occasional live foods as treats.

Breeding: Due to its rarity, successful captivity-bred reports have yet to be unearthed.  If you manage to find a pair and want to try it yourself, it is suggested you follow the general Hyphessobrycon method.

First separate a male and a female (at least a year old) into two conditioning tanks.  Feed them live foods such as blood worms and insect larvae for about three weeks before introducing them into the breeding tank.  They should breed within 24 hours, but give them three days and, if no eggs appear, repeat the conditioning process.

Remove the parents once they have spawned or you may find they’ve eaten all the eggs.  They will hatch after 24 hours and the subsequent free-swimming fry should be fed Infusoria.  Once they are big enough, start them on baby brine shrimp.

As it is unknown whether the eggs of the Hyphessobrycon melazonatus are light-sensitive or not, you should err on the side of caution and keep them in as much dark as possible.

Comments: Hyphessobrycon melazonatus is uncommon in the hobby and therefore there is limited information available.  Consequently, information pertaining to the Hyphessobrycon species in general has been included.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: They should live happily with other Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They also should be good tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, Corydoras Catfish  (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platy and most Gourami (such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also should live happily with most Danio (particularly the Zebra Danio and Pearl Danio)  and also many Killifish could make great tank mates.

Family: Characidae

Distribution: The Essequibo River in Guyana, South America is the place of origin for Hemigrammus cylindricus.

PH: The preferred pH is unknown due to the rarity of Hemigrammus cylindricus is captivity.  The Hemigrammus species generally varies between 5.5 and 7.5.

Temperature: 22 – 28°C (72 – 82°F)

Hardness: 8 gdH

Description: There is very little information available on Hemigrammus cylindricus due to its uncommonness in the hobby. Its exact temperament, social habits and sexual dimorphia is therefore unknown.

What is known is that it is one of the larger of the Hemigrammus species, reaching a maximum length of 10 – 11cm.  If it is anything like the rest of its Hemigrammus relatives, it will be an ideal community tank mate as it is peaceful, active and sociable.

Diet: The Hemigrammus species generally prefer an omnivorous diet.  If your fish ignore the live food, then feed them on a purely herbivorous diet.

Breeding: Due to the rarity of it being kept in captivity, it is unknown how difficult it is to breed Hemigrammus cylindricus.  Also unknown are the ideal breeding methods.

Comments: As Hemigrammus cylindricus is unusual in the hobby, there is a scarcity of information.  Subsequently, general information regarding the Hemigrammus species has been included.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: They should live happily with other Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They also should be good tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, CorydorasCatfish  (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platy and most Gourami(such as the Blue Gouramiand Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also should live happily with most Danio (particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio)  and also many Killifish could make great tank mates. Despite the fact it is larger than many other tetras, you should avoid housing it with aggressive species, as the temperament of Hemigrammus cylindricus is currently unknown.

Family: Characidae

Distribution: The Paraná and Paraguay River basins in South America are the home of Hemigrammus mahnerti.

PH: Due to the recent discovery (1989) of Hemigrammus mahnerti, it is unknown what pH they will thrive in.  Try something between 6.0 – 7.0.

Temperature: 24 – 28°C (74 – 82°F)

Hardness: 7 gdH

Description: Hemigrammus mahnerti was only discovered in 1989, therefore there is a lack of information available.  Subsequently, information such as social habits, sexual dimorphism and actual temperament is unknown.

What is known is the fact Hemigrammus mahnerti is one of the smaller of the Hemigrammus species, its mature length falling just short of 3cm.

Diet: The Hemigrammus species generally prefer an omnivorous diet.  If your Hemigrammus mahnerti reject the live food, then use a herbivorous diet.

Breeding: Breeding information is unknown, due to the fact that Hemigrammus mahnerti was recently discovered.

Comments: As Hemigrammus mahnerti is unusual in the hobby, there is a scarcity of information.  Subsequently, general information regarding the Hemigrammus species has been included.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: They should live happily with other Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They also should be good tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, CorydorasCatfish  (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platy and most Gourami(such as the Blue Gouramiand Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also should live happily with most Danio (particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio)  and also many Killifish could make great tank mates.

Family: Characidae

Distribution: There is little known about the specific habitat of Hyphessobrycon latus aside from the fact it can be found in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.

PH: 6.0 – 7.5 pH

Temperature: 22 – 28 °C (72 – 82 °F)

Hardness: 2 – 15 dH

Description: Hyphessobrycon latus is a medium-sized Tetra, reaching 5cm in the tank.  They are exceedingly rare in the hobby and therefore there is limited information available on their specific behaviours and colouration.  If they are anything like their Hyphessobrycon relatives, however, they should be peaceful, active schooling fish that will thrive in a community tank.

Diet: A diet high in flakes or pellets will suit Hyphessobrycon latus, with occasional live food treats.  The species tends to favour bloodworms and insect larvae.

Breeding: As Hyphessobrycon latus is so unusual in the hobby, there are currently no reports of breeding attempts.  If endeavouring to try yourself, use a typical Hyphessobrycon methodology: start by setting up two conditioning tanks and put a year old male in one and a year old female in the other.  Feed the duo on live foods for about three weeks and then introduce them into a breeding tank.  The tank should be set up with a warm temperature (around 26°C), soft water, fine-leaved plants and dim lighting.  It is unknown if the eggs are light-sensitive, so it is best to err on the side of caution and keep them in the dark.

The pair should spawn into the leaves within three days.  If this doesn’t happen, repeat the process.  Remove the parents after spawning before they make a meal of the eggs.

24 hours later and the eggs will begin to hatch.  Feed the free swimming fry on baby brine shrimp.

Comments: It is next to impossible to find Hyphessobrycon latus for sale and therefore there is an extreme scarcity of information available.  For this reason, general information pertaining to the Hyphessobrycon family has been included.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: House your Hyphessobrycon latus with species of a similar size and temperament.  They should live happily with other Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They also should be good tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, Corydoras Catfish  (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platy and most Gourami (such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also should live happily with most Danio (particularly the Zebra Danio and Pearl Danio)  and also many Killifish could make great tank mates.

Family: Characidae

Distribution: The upper Tapajós river system and surroundings are the home of Hyphessobrycon hexastichos. They are found in the Mutum and Juruena Rivers, both tributaries off the Tapajós, Brazil.

PH: 5.5 – 7.5 pH

Temperature: 22 – 28 °C (72 – 82 °F)

Hardness: 1 – 12 dH

Description: Instead of the common straight lateral lines of the rest of the Hyphessobrycon species, Hyphessobrycon hexastichos is characterised by four large dark zigzag lines.  Their bodies are a simple dark brown, although the larger ones may also have red or orange colouration above the anal fin.  Hyphessobrycon hexastichos also has an arched back, peaking just before the dorsal fin.  They sport a black spot in the humeral region, stretched vertically that extends over one of the lateral stripes.  The upper region of the body also displays a silver-to-violet stripe that starts in the humeral region and finishes near the base of the caudal fin.  The fins of Hyphessobrycon hexastichos have lines radiating out from the base.

This species will grow to 3-4cm when in the tank.  It is not common in the hobby and therefore there is limited information available.  For this reason, sexual dimorphism and social behaviours are unknown.

Diet: An omnivorous diet suits the Flag Tetra, although it prefers live foods such as insect larvae and brine shrimp.

Breeding: There are conflicting reports on the difficult of breeding Hyphessobrycon heterorhabdus.  Some say it is extremely difficult to breed, whilst others state they had no trouble at all.

Follow the general breeding method for the Hyphessobrycon species, only ensure the breeding tank has a pH of 6, 4 dH and a temperature of 28°C.  The eggs will hatch in approximately two days.

Breeders should take extra care of the eggs as they are extremely susceptible to fungi, and the fry are vulnerable to diseases.

Comments: This is not a fish that is suitable for beginners.  It is not as hardy as most other Hyphessobrycon species and breeding can be difficult (or, at least, time-consuming).

They will do well in a normal tank set up (dense plantation around the sides and back, diffused light, soft filtration), but they will thrive when in an Amazonian biotope tank.

It is not as common in the trade as others.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: They should live happily with other Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They also should be good tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, Corydoras Catfish  (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platy and most Gourami (such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also should live happily with most Danio (particularly the Zebra Danio and Pearl Danio)  and also many Killifish could make great tank mates.

Family: Characidae

Distribution: Hyphessobrycon minor can be found in the Essequibo River basin of South America.

PH: 6.0 – 7.5 pH

Temperature: 22 – 28 °C (72 – 82 °F)

Hardness: 2 – 15 dH

Description: Still on the small side of the Hyphessobrycon scale, Hyphessobrycon minor will reach 3cm when fully mature.  The family is generally peaceful, active and non-aggressive and there is no reason why Hyphessobrycon minor should be any different.  They are good additions to any community or species-specific tank.

As they are so uncommon, there is a lack of data such as colouration and specific social behaviours.

Diet: The Hyphessobrycon species thrive on omnivorous diets.  Your Hyphessobrycon minor will enjoy a diet that is primarily flakes or pellets with occasional live foods (such as bloodworms or mosquito larvae) as treats.

Breeding: Due to its rarity, successful captivity-bred reports have yet to be published.  If you manage to find a pair and want to try it yourself, it is suggested you follow the general Hyphessobrycon method.

First separate a male and a female (at least one year old) into two conditioning tanks.  Feed them live foods for about three weeks before introducing them into the breeding tank.  They should breed within 24 hours, but give them three days and, if no eggs appear, repeat the conditioning process.

Remove the parents once they have spawned or you may find they’ve eaten all the eggs.  They will hatch after 24 hours and the subsequent free-swimming fry should be fed Infusoria.  Once they are big enough, start them on baby brine shrimp.

Err on the side of caution and keep the eggs of Hyphessobrycon minor in as much dark as possible as it is unknown whether they are light-sensitive or not.

Comments: Hyphessobrycon minor is uncommon in the hobby and therefore there is limited information available.  Consequently, information pertaining to the Hyphessobrycon species in general has been included.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: They should live happily with other Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They also should be good tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, Corydoras Catfish  (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platy and most Gourami (such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also should live happily with most Danio (particularly the Zebra Danio and Pearl Danio)  and also many Killifish could make great tank mates.