Family: Characidae
Hyphessobrycon tropis — a Characidae from South America. Reaches 1.6–2.3 cm; keep at 21–26 °C.
Hyphessobrycon tropis is a Characidae from South America. In the wild it prefers blackwater streams and flooded forest; in the aquarium it stays mostly peaceful. Plan on 1.6–2.3 cm of adult fish at 21–26 °C. Related profiles: Hyphessobrycon amandae, Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi, Hyphessobrycon eques.
Intermediate difficulty. Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory; strong shoalers; keep in groups of 8 or more.
Set the heater to 21–26 °C and avoid swings. pH 5.6–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.
Adults reach 1.6–2.3 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 25 litres.
Omnivore with carnivorous tilt. It forages naturally over dark sand and leaf litter, so let some food reach the bottom.
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.
Native to South America, where it lives in blackwater streams and flooded forest. Still to gentle current; Moderate.
Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.
In the aquarium: egg-scatterer among fine plants. Subtle; females fuller-bodied.