Griem's tetra (Hyphessobrycon griemi)

Family: Characidae

Griem's tetra — a Characidae from South America. Reaches 2.2–3.2 cm; keep at 23–28 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
23–28 °C
pH
5.8–7.8
GH hardness
9–21 dGH
Adult length
2.2–3.2 cm
Minimum tank
25 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory
Origin
South America

Species overview

A Characidae species native to South America: Hyphessobrycon griemi lives bottom-dwelling over blackwater streams and flooded forest. Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory. Adults reach 2.2–3.2 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Hyphessobrycon species we profile, alongside 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 Griem's 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 Griem's tetra need?

Aim for 23–28 °C. Heater for stable tropical warmth; 23–28 °C recorded range.

How big does Griem's tetra get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 2.2–3.2 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 25 litres.

What does Griem's tetra eat?

Omnivore with carnivorous tilt. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Griem's tetra live with other fish?

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.

Where does Griem's tetra come from?

Its home waters are South America — blackwater streams and flooded forest, with still to gentle current.

Does Griem's tetra jump?

Not a noted jumper — a standard cover still keeps dust and spray in.

How does Griem's tetra breed?

In the aquarium: egg-scatterer among fine plants. Subtle; females fuller-bodied.