Hyphessobrycon tenuis

Family: Characidae

Hyphessobrycon tenuis — a Characidae freshwater fish. Reaches 2–2.9 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
2–2.9 cm
Minimum tank
25 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory

Species overview

A Characidae species: Hyphessobrycon tenuis lives bottom-dwelling over blackwater streams and flooded forest. Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory. Adults reach 2–2.9 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 tenuis 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 tenuis need?

Aim for 23–28 °C. Heater for stable tropical warmth; 23–28.0 °C typical for the genus.

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

Adults reach 2–2.9 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 25 litres.

What does Hyphessobrycon tenuis eat?

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

Can Hyphessobrycon tenuis 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 tenuis come from?

Found in blackwater streams and flooded forest; expect still to gentle current and moderate.

Does Hyphessobrycon tenuis jump?

Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.

How does Hyphessobrycon tenuis breed?

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