Hyphessobrycon luetkeni

Family: Characidae

Hyphessobrycon luetkeni — a Characidae from South America. Reaches 3.4–5 cm; keep at 22–28 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature: 22–28 °C
pH: 5.6–7.5
GH hardness: 5–15 dGH
Adult length: 3.4–5 cm
Minimum tank: 30 L
Water layer: Middle of the water column
Difficulty: Moderate
Temperament: Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory
Origin: South America

Species overview

Hyphessobrycon luetkeni is a Characidae from South America. In the wild it prefers blackwater streams and flooded forest; in the aquarium it stays mostly peaceful. Plan on 3.4–5 cm of adult fish at 22–28 °C. Related profiles: 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 Hyphessobrycon luetkeni easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory; strong shoalers; keep in groups of 8 or more.

What temperature and water chemistry does Hyphessobrycon luetkeni need?

Aim for 22–28 °C. Heater for stable tropical warmth; 22–28 °C curated husbandry range.

How big does Hyphessobrycon luetkeni get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 3.4–5 cm; it is middle of the water column. Plan for at least 30 litres.

What does Hyphessobrycon luetkeni eat?

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

Can Hyphessobrycon luetkeni 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 Hyphessobrycon luetkeni come from?

Comes from South America: blackwater streams and flooded forest. Expect still to gentle current and moderate.

Does Hyphessobrycon luetkeni jump?

Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.

How does Hyphessobrycon luetkeni breed?

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