Savage Tetra (Hyphessobrycon savagei)

Family: Characidae

Savage Tetra — a Characidae freshwater fish. Reaches 2.8–4.1 cm; keep at 24–30 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature: 24–30 °C
pH: 5.6–7.5
GH hardness: 5–15 dGH
Adult length: 2.8–4.1 cm
Minimum tank: 25 L
Water layer: Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty: Moderate
Temperament: Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory

Species overview

A Characidae species: Hyphessobrycon savagei lives bottom-dwelling over blackwater streams and flooded forest. Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory. Adults reach 2.8–4.1 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 Savage Tetra 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 Savage Tetra need?

Set the heater to 24–30 °C and avoid swings. pH 5.6–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.

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

Full size is 2.8–4.1 cm. Minimum tank: 25 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.

What does Savage Tetra eat?

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

Can Savage Tetra 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 Savage Tetra come from?

Its habitat is blackwater streams and flooded forest — still to gentle current, moderate.

Does Savage Tetra jump?

Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.

How does Savage Tetra breed?

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