Family: Characidae
Ornate Tetra — a Characidae from South America. Reaches 3.2–4.7 cm; keep at 24–28 °C.
A Characidae species native to South America: Hyphessobrycon bentosi lives bottom-dwelling over blackwater streams and flooded forest. Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory. Adults reach 3.2–4.7 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Hyphessobrycon species we profile, alongside Hyphessobrycon amandae, Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi, Hyphessobrycon eques.
Intermediate difficulty. Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory; strong shoalers; keep in groups of 8 or more.
Set the heater to 24–28 °C and avoid swings. pH 5.8–7.5, GH 5–19 dGH suit it.
Expect 3.2–4.7 cm as an adult, living bottom-dwelling. A 27 L tank or larger gives it room.
Omnivore with carnivorous tilt. It forages naturally over dark sand and leaf litter, so let some food reach the bottom.
Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory; strong shoalers; keep in groups of 8 or more. Good company: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Keep away from Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.
Comes from South America: blackwater streams and flooded forest. Expect still to gentle current and moderate.
Jumping is not a known issue; cover the tank anyway during water changes.
In the aquarium: egg-scatterer among fine plants. Subtle; females fuller-bodied.