Blue Tetra (coeruleus) Care Guide
Hemigrammus coeruleus is a Rio Negro characin with a blue-green sheen and dark caudal markings, kept as a peaceful blackwater schooling fish.
Overview
Hemigrammus coeruleus is a characin from the Rio Negro region with a subtle blue-green sheen and dark caudal markings. It is kept as a peaceful schooling fish that favours blackwater conditions.
Taxonomy
- Family: Characidae (order Characiformes)
- Genus: Hemigrammus
- Scientific name: Hemigrammus coeruleus
Habitat
FishBase records the species from the Solimoes and lower Negro River basins in South America, as a benthopelagic freshwater fish of tropical waters.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C
- pH: 4.5-6.5
- GH: 1-6 °dGH
- Maximum size: about 5.8 cm TL (FishBase)
- School size: 6 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
Diet
The species is omnivorous and accepts small dried, frozen and live foods in the aquarium, fed twice daily.
Compatibility
It is a peaceful mid-water schooler best suited to soft, acidic blackwater tanks. Suitable companions include Cardinal tetras and dwarf cichlids such as Apistogramma; hard-water species should be avoided.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2021).