Dash-dot tetra - Hemigrammus bellottii
Scientific name: Hemigrammus bellottii
Common name: Dash-dot tetra
Family: Characidae
Usual size in fish tanks: 3 - 4 cm (1.18 - 1.57 inch)
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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.2 - 7.1
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 5 - 17°N (89.29 - 303.57ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 24 - 26 °C (75.2 - 78.8°F)
The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning
Where the species comes from: South America
Temperament to its own species: peaceful
Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful
Usual place in the tank: Middle levels
Food and feeding
These tetras will eat all foods offered. Use a quality flake to provide the staple diet but add treats of live or frozen foods to keep them in condition. Dash-dot tetras will accept brine shrimp, bloodworms, and white worms with vigour.
Origin
South America; Dash-dot tetra is found in the Negro and Maroni River Basins.
Sexing
Males tend to be more slender than the females. When ripe, the females may have a swollen belly.
Breeding
Use a heavily planted tank with subdued lighting. Soft, acidic water must be used and slightly raise the temperature. The parents will normally spawn at day break and scatter the eggs around the tank. The parents must be removed after spawning as they will attempt to eat the eggs. After 24 hours, the eggs will hatch and 3-4 days later the fry will be free swimming. Feed the fry with newly hatched brine shrimp or crushed flake.
Lifespan
The expected life span for Hemigrammus bellottii is 2-4 years.
Short description
Always keep Hemigrammus bellottii in small groups, they are a peaceful species and will do well in a community set up.