Kitty tetra - Hyphessobrycon heliacus
Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon heliacus
Common name: Kitty tetra
Family: Characidae
Usual size in fish tanks: 2 - 3 cm (0.79 - 1.18 inch)
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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.4 - 7
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 1 - 13°N (17.86 - 232.14ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 23 - 27 °C (73.4 - 80.6°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: Top levels
Food and feeding
Not a fussy eater; use a quality flake or pellets for the staple diet but also offer them treats of daphnia, blood worms, and brine shrimp.
Origin
South America; Kitty tetras are found in the Rio Xingu-Brazil
Sexing
Males are larger than the females with a flag dorsal fin. They will also have extended pelvic and anal fins. The males will also have a brighter orange and red colouration on their flanks and fins.
Breeding
Kitty tetras are typical egg scatterers. Add Java moss or spawning mops to the breeding tank and remove the parents once spawning is complete. The eggs should hatch after 24-36 hours and a few days later the fry will be free swimming. They can be fed on Infusoria until large enough to accept newly hatched brine shrimp.
Lifespan
The expected life span for Hyphessobrycon heliacus is 2-5 years.
Short description
Hyphessobrycon heliacus do best in small groups of at least 6 specimens but ensure that there are an equal number of males to females for the best displays and colouration. They are peaceful and will do well in a community set up.
Pictures
Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.