Hyphessobrycon pinnistriatus

Family: Characidae

Hyphessobrycon pinnistriatus — a Characidae from South America. Reaches 2.2–3.3 cm; keep at 23–28 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature: 23–28 °C
pH: 5.6–7.5
GH hardness: 5–15 dGH
Adult length: 2.2–3.3 cm
Minimum tank: 25 L
Water layer: Middle of the water column
Difficulty: Moderate
Temperament: Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory
Origin: South America

Species overview

Hyphessobrycon pinnistriatus 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 2.2–3.3 cm of adult fish at 23–28 °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 pinnistriatus 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 pinnistriatus need?

Set the heater to 23–28 °C and avoid swings. pH 5.6–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.

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

Full size is 2.2–3.3 cm. Minimum tank: 25 L, with open swimming space along its middle of the water column habits.

What does Hyphessobrycon pinnistriatus eat?

Omnivore with carnivorous tilt. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Hyphessobrycon pinnistriatus 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 pinnistriatus come from?

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

Does Hyphessobrycon pinnistriatus jump?

Jumping is not a known issue; cover the tank anyway during water changes.

How does Hyphessobrycon pinnistriatus breed?

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