Family: Characidae
Distribution: The Columbian Tetra (also known as Blue-Red Columbian Tetra and Blue Flame Tetra) derives one of its common names from its location: it is endemic to Colombia, South America. It prefers the slow moving tributaries and creeks that extend off the Acandi River.
PH: 5.5 – 7.0 pH
Temperature: 24 – 27°C (75 – 81°F)
Hardness: 12 gdH
Description: Like many of its Hyphessobrycon relatives, the Columbian Tetra is a lively tank mate. It will flourish in groups of at least 6, but they can be aggressive and nip the fins of each other. They are one of the larger Tetras, reaching 6.5cm.
The Hyphessobrycon columbianus has a silver-grey colouration, with a lateral line of a blue tinge that increases in vibrancy as it extends upwards. The line develops into a stripe along the rear dorsal area of the Blue Flame’s body. This fish flaunts bright red fins that will – interestingly – lose colour when the fish is resting. A black edging defines the anal fin, and the dorsal and caudal fins sport white tips.
As the fish matures, the back arch appears to grow. It is difficult to determine gender until the species is mature, when the female will become rounder.
Diet: A non-fussy eater, the Columbian Tetra will enjoy a balance flake food, frozen food, and live foods. Use high quality flakes as the base of the diet, and add the live and frozen foods later. They prefer brine shrimp and white and blood worms.
Breeding: Set up two conditioning tanks, one for a year old male and one for a year old female. The two Hyphessobrycon columbianus should be fed on a diet of Drosophila and insect larvae for two-to-three weeks, before moving them into a 38L breeding tank. The tank should have a temperature of 24 – 26°C (75 – 79°F), a pH of 6.5, and dH of 2 – 4. Partial weekly water changes are a must. Do not use any form of substrate, just fine-leaved plants and a soft filtration system (sponge or foam). The Columbian Tetra also require dim lighting.
If eggs do not appear within three days of the introduction, repeat the process of conditioning. When spawning, eggs will appear in the plant leaves. The parents will eat the eggs, so they should be removed immediately after spawning. A little over 24 hours later, the eggs will hatch, with the fry swimming free a few days later. A diet of baby Brine Shrimp and micro-organisms should be used for the first ten days, before switching your Tetra fry to crushed flake.
Comments: Hyphessobrycon columbianus are perfect for beginners are they are hardy and can withstand a range of water conditions. They prefer planted tanks to sparse ones, and require a volume of 80-120L.
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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.
Originally posted 2010-04-21 01:47:23. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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