Colombian tetra | 2-3cms | Single

The Colombian Tetra (Hyphessobrycon columbianus) is a vibrant and striking freshwater fish native to Colombia in South America. Known for its bold color patterns, including a mix of deep red and blue hues, the Colombian Tetra is a popular choice for aquariums due to its beauty and active nature. These tetras are hardy, social, and make a great addition to community tanks with other peaceful species.
Key Characteristics
Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon columbianus
Size: 2.5–3 inches (6–8 cm)
Lifespan: 5–7 years
Coloration:
The Colombian Tetra features a striking coloration, with a silvery-blue body and a vibrant red-orange hue that starts from the mid-body to the tail.
The combination of colors makes this fish a showstopper in any aquarium.
Shape:
A slender, elongated body typical of tetras, with a slightly forked tail fin.
They have a streamlined body that aids in their swift swimming.
Temperament:
Peaceful and social, they do well in schools and prefer to be kept with other similar-sized species.
They are not aggressive but can become more territorial when housed in smaller tanks.
Tank Level:
Mostly mid-level swimmers, but they will occasionally explore the upper areas of the tank.
Water Parameters
Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Hardness: 2–15 dGH
Water Quality:
Prefers well-filtered, clean water with moderate to gentle current.
Stable water parameters are important for their health and coloration.
Tank Setup
Tank Size:
A minimum of 20 gallons for a small school of Colombian Tetras. A larger tank (30 gallons or more) is ideal for larger schools.
Substrate:
Fine gravel or sand is suitable, as it is easy to clean and gentle on the fish.
Decor and Plants:
Live plants such as Amazon Sword, Java Fern, or Anubias create a more natural environment.
Driftwood, rocks, and smooth stones will help create hiding spots, but be sure to leave enough open swimming space.
A well-planted tank will also reduce stress and make the fish feel more secure.
Filtration:
Moderate filtration is necessary to keep the water clean and oxygenated, but avoid strong currents as they can stress the fish.
Perform regular water changes (20–25% weekly) to maintain water quality.
Lighting:
Moderate lighting with shaded areas is recommended, as too much light can stress the Colombian Tetra.
Diet
Type: Omnivorous
Preferred Foods:
High-quality flake food, small pellets, or granular foods.
Live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, or daphnia.
Vegetables like spirulina, blanched spinach, or algae wafers to provide a balanced diet.
Feeding Tips:
Feed 2–3 times a day in small amounts to avoid overfeeding.
A varied diet with protein and plant matter will enhance their colors and overall health.
Behavior and Tank Mates
Behavior:
Colombian Tetras are peaceful, schooling fish. They should be kept in groups of at least 6–8 individuals to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior.
They are active swimmers, often schooling together in the middle and upper levels of the tank.
Suitable Tank Mates:
Peaceful species such as other tetras, rasboras, small livebearers, and Corydoras catfish.
Shrimp like Amano shrimp and small snails are compatible.
Avoid aggressive or large fish such as cichlids or barbs.
Breeding
Difficulty: Moderate
Process:
Colombian Tetras are egg scatterers, so you will need a breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water to encourage spawning.
The fish spawn on plants or other surfaces. After spawning, it’s best to remove the parents, as they may eat the eggs.
The eggs will hatch within 24–48 hours, and the fry will become free-swimming within 4–5 days.
Fry Care:
The fry can be fed infusoria or finely crushed flake food until they are large enough to eat baby brine shrimp.
Care Tips
Regular water changes are crucial to maintain water quality and prevent toxins.
Keep the tank clean and avoid overfeeding to prevent poor water quality.
Colombian Tetras do better in schools, as they feel safer and more comfortable.
Maintain stable water parameters and avoid drastic changes to reduce stress.
Feed a balanced diet with both protein-rich and plant-based foods for vibrant colors and health.
Why Choose a Colombian Tetra?
Striking Appearance: The blend of blue and red colors makes Colombian Tetras stand out in any aquarium.
Active and Social: Their schooling behavior adds dynamic movement to the tank, and they enjoy interacting with their fellow tankmates.
Peaceful Nature: They are non-aggressive and fit well into community tanks with other peaceful species.
Hardy and Easy to Care For: Colombian Tetras are relatively easy to care for, making them suitable for both beginner and experienced aquarists.
Conclusion
The Colombian Tetra is an attractive, peaceful, and active fish that adds beauty and color to any freshwater aquarium. Its striking coloration, social nature, and relatively easy care requirements make it a great choice for community tanks. With the right environment, a varied diet, and a stable tank setup, the Colombian Tetra will thrive and bring long-term enjoyment to your aquatic setup.