Family: Characidae
Distribution: The Flag Tetra originates from the Tocantins River and surrounding tributaries and bodies of water in the region of the Lower Amazon. They prefer smaller bodies of water, rather than deep ones; often found in forest areas and sand banks with tannin-stained water.
PH: 5.5 – 7.5 pH
Temperature: 22 – 28 °C (72 – 82 °F)
Hardness: 1 – 12 dH
Description: Hyphessobrycon heterorhabdus is a medium-sized Tetra, growing to 4.5cm when mature. Like the rest of the Hyphessobrycon species, it is peaceful and active and makes an eye-catching addition to any tank. It also needs to be kept in schools of at least six (preferably ten or more).
The Flag Tetra has a silver stomach and a dark brown-to-silver back. Three stripes run down the length of its body from the gills to the caudal fins: on top is orange, then there is a green to yellow band that is iridescent, whilst the lowest is solid black. The iris of Hyphessobrycon heterorhabdus is an orange or red colour.
The females are larger and bulkier than their male counterparts.
Hyphessobrycon heterorhabdus is often confused with the Black Neon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi) but the former displays a red lateral band. It is also similar in appearance to Hemigrammus ulreyi, Hyphessobrycon scholzei (Black-lined Tetra), and Vilma’s Tetra (Hyphessobrycon vilmae).
Diet: An omnivorous diet suits the Flag Tetra, although it prefers live foods such as insect larvae and brine shrimp.
Breeding: There are conflicting reports on the difficult of breeding Hyphessobrycon heterorhabdus. Some say it is extremely difficult to breed, whilst others state they had no trouble at all.
Follow the general breeding method for the Hyphessobrycon species, only ensure the breeding tank has a pH of 6, 4 dH and a temperature of 28°C. The eggs will hatch in approximately two days.
Breeders should take extra care of the eggs as they are extremely susceptible to fungi, and the fry are vulnerable to diseases.
Comments: This is not a fish that is suitable for beginners. It is not as hardy as most other Hyphessobrycon species and breeding can be difficult (or, at least, time-consuming).
They will do well in a normal tank set up (dense plantation around the sides and back, diffused light, soft filtration), but they will thrive when in an Amazonian biotope tank.
It is not as common in the trade as others.
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.
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