Quick Care Details (Table)
| Livestock Characteristics | Value |
|---|---|
| Care Level | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Diet | Omnivorous |
| Maximum Size | 2 inches (5 cm) |
| Minimum Tank Size | 20 gallons |
| Plant Safe | Yes |
| Temperature Range | 72-78°F (22-26°C) |
| PH Range | 6.0-7.5 |
| KH Range | 2-8 dKH (36-143 ppm) |
| GH Range | 5-12 dGH (89-214 ppm) |
Species Specific Categories
Helpful Video
Care Details
Aquascape
- They thrive in a well-planted tank with open swimming spaces.
- Use driftwood and rocks to mimic their natural habitat.
- Ensure plants are sturdy to withstand their active swimming.
Substrate
- Fine gravel or sand works best to replicate their natural environment.
- Avoid sharp or coarse substrates to prevent injury.
Disease Prevention
- Maintain good water quality through regular water changes.
- Quarantine new fish to prevent introducing diseases.
- Avoid overfeeding and keep an eye on their behavior for signs of illness.
Filtration
- Use a reliable filter suitable for the tank size to maintain water clarity.
- Ensure gentle flow as they prefer calm to moderate water movement.
Lighting
- Moderate lighting is sufficient; they don't require intense light.
- Consider plants' lighting needs if keeping live plants.
Water Flow
- They prefer slow to moderate water flow; adjust filtration accordingly.
- Use plants and decorations to create areas of calm within the tank.
Hardiness
- Generally hardy once acclimated to tank conditions.
- Sensitive to sudden water parameter changes; gradual adjustments are key.
Acclimation
- Slowly acclimate them to your tank water using drip acclimation method.
- Ensure temperature and water chemistry match gradually over an hour or more.
Expected Lifespan
- Can live up to 3-5 years with proper care.
- Lifespan may vary based on tank conditions and genetics.
Special Requirements
- They are peaceful and should be kept in schools of 6 or more.
- Provide a varied diet including flakes, frozen, and live foods.
- Avoid aggressive tank mates; they do best in community setups.
Temperament and Behavior
Behavior
- Active swimmers that explore all levels of the tank.
- They often shoal together and display schooling behavior.
Breeding
- Spawning can be induced with soft, slightly acidic water and a diet rich in protein.
- Use fine-leaved plants or spawning mops for egg laying.
- Remove adults after spawning to prevent egg predation.
Aggression
- Peaceful towards other species but may nip fins of slow-moving fish.
- Keep with similar-sized, non-aggressive tank mates to avoid conflict.
Tankmates Compatibility
- Ideal tank mates include other peaceful tetras, rasboras, and small catfish.
- Avoid aggressive or larger fish that may intimidate them.
Activity Level
- Active throughout the day, especially during feeding times.
- Provide open swimming space along with plants for shelter.
Schooling or Shoaling Behavior
- Prefer to be in schools of 6 or more; this reduces stress and encourages natural behavior.
- Shoaling behavior reduces anxiety and displays their vibrant colors.
Plant Compatibility
- Compatible with most aquarium plants.
- Ensure plants are secure to withstand their active swimming.
Diet and Nutrition
Dry Foods
- Accepts high-quality flake and pellet foods readily.
- Ensure the food is small enough for their small mouths.
Frozen Foods
- Enjoys frozen brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia as occasional treats.
- Provides variety and helps mimic their natural diet.
Live Foods
- Thrives on live foods like mosquito larvae and daphnia.
- Introduce live foods sparingly to avoid overfeeding and water quality issues.
Vegetables
- Will occasionally nibble on blanched spinach or zucchini.
- Provides fiber and variety to their diet.
Algae
- Consumes some algae naturally, especially in mature tanks.
- Supplement with algae wafers or spirulina flakes.
Feeding Schedule
- Feed small amounts 2-3 times daily, only what they can consume in a few minutes.
- Maintain a regular feeding schedule to prevent overfeeding and ensure balanced nutrition.
Supplemental Foods
- Offer occasional treats like freeze-dried bloodworms or brine shrimp.
- Helps provide variety and enrich their diet with different nutrients.
Tank Parameters
Tank size
- Suitable for tanks 20 gallons or larger to accommodate a school of 6 or more.
Tank Length and Measurements
- Optimal length should be at least 24 inches to provide ample swimming space.
Water Temperature
- Keep water temperature stable between 72-78°F (22-26°C).
- Avoid sudden fluctuations to prevent stress and health issues.
pH (Acidity/Alkalinity)
- Ideal pH range is 6.0-7.5.
- Stable pH is crucial; avoid drastic changes to maintain health.
KH (Carbonate Hardness)
- Prefer KH between 2-8 dKH (36-143 ppm).
- Helps stabilize pH and provides buffering capacity.
GH (General Hardness)
- GH range of 5-12 dGH (89-214 ppm) is suitable.
- Ensures adequate mineral content for health and vitality.
Hardiness
- Moderately hardy once acclimated to stable tank conditions.
- Sensitive to water parameter fluctuations, especially pH and temperature.
Nitrate (NO3) levels
- Keep nitrate levels below 20 ppm through regular water changes and filtration.
- High nitrates can stress fish and compromise their health over time.
History, Popularity, History and Species Variety Details
History The Blue Red Columbia Tetra, scientifically known as Hyphessobrycon ecuadoriensis, originates from the rivers and tributaries of Ecuador in South America. These fish were first documented and classified by scientists exploring the rich biodiversity of the region's freshwater habitats. Initially recognized for their vibrant colors and social behavior, they were later introduced into the aquarium hobby due to their attractive appearance and peaceful temperament.
Popularity Since their introduction, the Blue Red Columbia Tetra has gained popularity among aquarium enthusiasts worldwide. Their striking red and blue colors, coupled with their active schooling behavior, make them a sought-after addition to community tanks. They are valued not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their ease of care and compatibility with a wide range of tank mates. Their popularity has led to increased breeding efforts and availability in the aquarium trade, ensuring hobbyists can enjoy them as a staple in their freshwater setups.
Natural Habitat In their natural habitat, Blue Red Columbia Tetras inhabit clear, slow-moving streams, and rivers with dense vegetation. These environments typically have moderate water flow and are rich in aquatic plants, offering plenty of hiding spots and areas for foraging. They are found in waters with neutral to slightly acidic pH levels and moderate water hardness. Their natural diet consists of small insects, crustaceans, and plant matter, which is important to replicate in captivity to ensure their health and vitality.
Similar and Variations of the Species
- Hyphessobrycon columbianus: Similar in appearance with a slightly different color pattern, found in Colombia.
- Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma: Known as the bleeding heart tetra, similar in size and behavior with a distinct red "heart" marking on its body.
- Hyphessobrycon eques: Often referred to as the serpae tetra, known for its vibrant red coloration and fin-nipping tendencies.
- Hyphessobrycon amandae: The ember tetra, smaller in size with a fiery orange-red coloration, popular for nano and planted tanks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do Blue Red Columbia Tetras get?
They typically grow up to about 2 inches (5 cm) in length, making them suitable for medium-sized community aquariums.
Are Blue Red Columbia Tetras suitable for beginners?
Yes, they're easy to care for and adaptable to a wide range of tank conditions. Great choice for hobbyists starting out.
Do Blue Red Columbia Tetras need a lot of swimming space?
They're active swimmers and appreciate tanks with ample room to explore. A 20-gallon tank or larger is ideal for a school of tetras.
How long do Blue Red Columbia Tetras live?
With proper care, they can live up to 3-5 years in aquariums. Good water quality and a balanced diet help maximize their lifespan.
How many Blue Red Columbia Tetras should I keep together?
They thrive in schools of 6 or more. Keeping them in groups reduces stress and enhances their natural behavior.
