Family: Characidae
Hyphessobrycon piranga — a Characidae from South America. Reaches 2.8–4.1 cm; keep at 23–28 °C.
Hyphessobrycon piranga, 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 2.8–4.1 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 23–28 °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.
Hold 23–28 °C and keep it stable — 23–28.0 °C typical for the genus. Heater for stable tropical warmth.
Expect 2.8–4.1 cm as an adult, living middle of the water column. A 25 L tank or larger gives it room.
Omnivore with carnivorous tilt. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.
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.
Comes from South America: blackwater streams and flooded forest. Expect still to gentle current and moderate.
Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.
Egg-scatterer among fine plants. Subtle; females fuller-bodied.