Family: Characidae
Hyphessobrycon procyon — a Characidae from South America. Reaches 2.4–3.5 cm; keep at 23–28 °C.
Hyphessobrycon procyon, 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 2.4–3.5 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.
Aim for 23–28 °C. Heater for stable tropical warmth; 23–28.0 °C typical for the genus.
Expect 2.4–3.5 cm as an adult, living bottom-dwelling. A 25 L tank or larger gives it room.
Omnivore with carnivorous tilt. It forages naturally over dark sand and leaf litter, so let some food reach the bottom.
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.
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.