Hyphessobrycon werneri

Family: Characidae

Hyphessobrycon werneri — a Characidae from South America. Reaches 2.4–3.5 cm; keep at 22–27 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
22–27 °C
pH
5.6–7
GH hardness
7–20 dGH
Adult length
2.4–3.5 cm
Minimum tank
25 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory
Origin
South America

Species overview

Hyphessobrycon werneri, 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 22–27 °C range. Other Hyphessobrycon species in our database include 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 werneri easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory. Strong shoalers; keep in groups of 8 or more.

What temperature and water chemistry does Hyphessobrycon werneri need?

Hold 22–27 °C and keep it stable — 22–27 °C recorded range. Heater for stable tropical warmth.

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

Adults reach 2.4–3.5 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 25 litres.

What does Hyphessobrycon werneri eat?

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

Can Hyphessobrycon werneri live with other fish?

Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory. Recommended tankmates: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Avoid Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Hyphessobrycon werneri come from?

Comes from South America: blackwater streams and flooded forest. Expect still to gentle current and moderate.

Does Hyphessobrycon werneri jump?

Not a noted jumper — a standard cover still keeps dust and spray in.

How does Hyphessobrycon werneri breed?

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