Family: Characidae
Distribution: The common name of Hyphessobrycon frankei is derived from its home: the Ucayali River basin in South America.
PH: 6.0 – 7.5 pH
Temperature: 22 – 28°C (72 – 82°F)
Hardness: 2 – 15 dH
Description: The base colouration of the Ucayali Tetra is iridescent silver, with a distinct white line that runs from the dorsal spine to the caudal peduncle. It parades pretty red anal, dorsal and adipose fins that have white bands. There is a black mark almost triangular in shape at the base of the caudal fin.
They are often confused with Hemigrammus heliacus, however the latter does not have red fins.
It is difficult to determine sexes. The best time to attempt it is during breeding season when the mature females appear slightly rounder than the males.
Growing to around 3.5cm, the Ucayali Tetra is, like many other Tetras, peaceful and prefers to be kept in groups of at least six.
Diet: Feed your Hyphessobrycon frankei once or twice a day on flakes and pellets with live and frozen foods such as insect larvae and blood worms.
Breeding: There is limited information available on the proper breeding method for Ucayali Tetra, so it is recommended that the general family method is followed.
Begin by setting up a pair of conditioning tanks, one housing a year-old male and the other a year-old female. Feed the pair on a diet of insect larvae and Drosophila. After two-to-three weeks, introduce the two into a breeding tank. Ensure a temperature of 24 – 26°C (75 – 79°F), a pH of 6.5, and dH of 2 – 4; with no substrate but plenty of fine-leaved plants and a soft air-power filtration system such as a sponge or foam.
The pair should breed within three days. If not, repeat the conditioning process. Once eggs appear on the leaves of the plants, remove the parents from the breeding tank or else they will begin to consume them. The eggs with hatch after 24 hours and the fry will be swimming a few days later. Start them on micro-organisms and baby Brine Shrimp, and then crushed flake when they are large enough to accept it.
As it is unknown how light-sensitive the eggs are, it is recommended that they be kept in the dark.
Comments: The Ucayali Tetra requires a tank with dense plantation around a centre area of swimming space. They also enjoy tannin-stained water (achieved through driftwood and dead leaves (changed frequently to avoid rotting in the tank)).
Beginners may have luck with Hyphessobrycon frankei, and it will be no difficulty to those with experience.
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.
Originally posted 2010-04-21 02:31:50. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Comments on this entry are closed.