Panama Tetra (Hyphessobrycon panamensis)

Family: Characidae

Panama Tetra — a Characidae freshwater fish. Reaches 3.3–4.8 cm; keep at 24–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature: 24–26 °C
pH: 5.6–7.5
GH hardness: 5–15 dGH
Adult length: 3.3–4.8 cm
Minimum tank: 28 L
Water layer: Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty: Moderate
Temperament: Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory

Species overview

A Characidae species: Hyphessobrycon panamensis lives bottom-dwelling over blackwater streams and flooded forest. Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory. Adults reach 3.3–4.8 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 Panama Tetra easy to keep?

A moderate-level species: mostly peaceful; larger species predatory; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.

What temperature and water chemistry does Panama Tetra need?

Hold 24–26 °C and keep it stable — 24–26 °C recorded range. Heater for stable tropical warmth.

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

Full size is 3.3–4.8 cm. Minimum tank: 28 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.

What does Panama Tetra eat?

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

Can Panama Tetra live with other fish?

Yes, with care. Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory — pair it with Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs and skip Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Panama Tetra come from?

Found in blackwater streams and flooded forest; expect still to gentle current and moderate.

Does Panama Tetra jump?

Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.

How does Panama Tetra breed?

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