Family: Characidae
loreto tetra — a Characidae from South America. Reaches 1.8–2.6 cm; keep at 22–26 °C.
Hyphessobrycon loretoensis, a member of the family Characidae, comes from South America, where it inhabits blackwater streams and flooded forest. Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory and omnivore with carnivorous tilt, it grows to 1.8–2.6 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 22–26 °C range. 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.
Set the heater to 22–26 °C and avoid swings. pH 5.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.
Expect 1.8–2.6 cm as an adult, living bottom-dwelling. A 25 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.
Native to South America, where it lives in blackwater streams and flooded forest. Still to gentle current; Moderate.
Jumping is not a known issue; cover the tank anyway during water changes.
Egg-scatterer among fine plants. Subtle; females fuller-bodied.