Family: Characidae
Colombian Tetra — a Characidae freshwater fish. Reaches 5.2–7.7 cm; keep at 23–28 °C.
Hyphessobrycon columbianus of the family Characidae is an aquarium-kept Characidae. Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory and omnivore with carnivorous tilt, it grows to 5.2–7.7 cm and prefers 23–28 °C water. Other Hyphessobrycon species in our database include Hyphessobrycon amandae, Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi, Hyphessobrycon eques.
Difficulty: moderate. Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory. Strong shoalers; keep in groups of 8 or more.
Aim for 23–28 °C. Heater for stable tropical warmth; 23–28.0 °C typical for the genus.
Expect 5.2–7.7 cm as an adult, living middle of the water column. A 71 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. Recommended tankmates: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Avoid Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.
It lives in blackwater streams and flooded forest. Still to gentle current; Moderate.
Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.
Egg-scatterer among fine plants. Subtle; females fuller-bodied.