Family: Characidae
Distribution: The upper Tapajós river system and surroundings are the home of Hyphessobrycon hexastichos. They are found in the Mutum and Juruena Rivers, both tributaries off the Tapajós, Brazil.
PH: 5.5 – 7.5 pH
Temperature: 22 – 28 °C (72 – 82 °F)
Hardness: 1 – 12 dH
Description: Instead of the common straight lateral lines of the rest of the Hyphessobrycon species, Hyphessobrycon hexastichos is characterised by four large dark zigzag lines. Their bodies are a simple dark brown, although the larger ones may also have red or orange colouration above the anal fin. Hyphessobrycon hexastichos also has an arched back, peaking just before the dorsal fin. They sport a black spot in the humeral region, stretched vertically that extends over one of the lateral stripes. The upper region of the body also displays a silver-to-violet stripe that starts in the humeral region and finishes near the base of the caudal fin. The fins of Hyphessobrycon hexastichos have lines radiating out from the base.
This species will grow to 3-4cm when in the tank. It is not common in the hobby and therefore there is limited information available. For this reason, sexual dimorphism and social behaviours are unknown.
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.
Originally posted 2010-04-21 05:58:33. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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