Hyphessobrycon stegemanni

Family: Characidae

Hyphessobrycon stegemanni — a Characidae from South America. Reaches 2.3–3.4 cm; keep at 23–28 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
23–28 °C
pH
6.5–7
GH hardness
2–8 dGH
Adult length
2.3–3.4 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 stegemanni lives bottom-dwelling over blackwater streams and flooded forest. Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory. Adults reach 2.3–3.4 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 Hyphessobrycon stegemanni 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 stegemanni need?

Hold 23–28 °C and keep it stable — 23–28 °C recorded range. Heater for stable tropical warmth.

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

Expect 2.3–3.4 cm as an adult, living bottom-dwelling. A 25 L tank or larger gives it room.

What does Hyphessobrycon stegemanni eat?

Omnivore with carnivorous tilt. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Hyphessobrycon stegemanni live with other fish?

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.

Where does Hyphessobrycon stegemanni come from?

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

Does Hyphessobrycon stegemanni jump?

Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.

How does Hyphessobrycon stegemanni breed?

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