Peruvian tetra (Hyphessobrycon peruvianus)

Family: Characidae

Peruvian tetra — a Characidae from South America. Reaches 2.9–4.3 cm; keep at 24–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
24–26 °C
pH
6–7
GH hardness
5–10 dGH
Adult length
2.9–4.3 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 peruvianus lives bottom-dwelling over blackwater streams and flooded forest. Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory. Adults reach 2.9–4.3 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 Peruvian 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 Peruvian tetra need?

Set the heater to 24–26 °C and avoid swings. pH 6–7, GH 5–10 dGH suit it.

How big does Peruvian tetra get, and what tank size?

Expect 2.9–4.3 cm as an adult, living bottom-dwelling. A 25 L tank or larger gives it room.

What does Peruvian tetra eat?

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

Can Peruvian 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 Peruvian tetra come from?

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

Does Peruvian tetra jump?

Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.

How does Peruvian tetra breed?

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