Colombian Tetra (Hyphessobrycon columbianus)

Family: Characidae

Colombian Tetra — a Characidae freshwater fish. Reaches 5.2–7.7 cm; keep at 23–28 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
23–28 °C
pH
5.6–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
5.2–7.7 cm
Minimum tank
71 L
Water layer
Middle of the water column
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory

Species overview

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.

Native biotope

Habitat
Blackwater streams and flooded forest
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Dark sand and leaf litter
Hardscape
Driftwood and dense plant edges
Plants
Floating and shaded plants appreciated

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Strong shoalers; keep in groups of 8 or more
Diet
Omnivore with carnivorous tilt
Recommended tankmates
  • Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with
  • Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Subtle; females fuller-bodied
Breeding method
Egg-scatterer among fine plants

Frequently asked questions

Is Colombian Tetra easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory. Strong shoalers; keep in groups of 8 or more.

What temperature and water chemistry does Colombian Tetra need?

Aim for 23–28 °C. Heater for stable tropical warmth; 23–28.0 °C typical for the genus.

How big does Colombian Tetra get, and what tank size?

Expect 5.2–7.7 cm as an adult, living middle of the water column. A 71 L tank or larger gives it room.

What does Colombian Tetra eat?

Omnivore with carnivorous tilt. It forages naturally over dark sand and leaf litter, so let some food reach the bottom.

Can Colombian Tetra live with other fish?

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.

Where does Colombian Tetra come from?

It lives in blackwater streams and flooded forest. Still to gentle current; Moderate.

Does Colombian Tetra jump?

Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.

How does Colombian Tetra breed?

Egg-scatterer among fine plants. Subtle; females fuller-bodied.