Coffee Bean Tetra Care Guide
Hyphessobrycon takasei (Coffee Bean Tetra) is a small peaceful characin from the Araguari and Oyapock river basins, suited to soft nano blackwater setups.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Hyphessobrycon takasei, the Coffee Bean Tetra, is a small characin of the family Characidae named for the dark coffee-bean shaped marking on the flank. It is described by FishBase as a calm fish and was introduced to Germany in 1962 for the aquarium trade.
Taxonomy
- Family: Characidae
- Genus: Hyphessobrycon
- Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon takasei
Habitat
According to FishBase the species occurs in the Araguari and Oyapock river basins in South America. It is a benthopelagic, tropical freshwater fish.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 5.0-6.8
- GH: 1-6 °dGH
- School size: 8 or more individuals
- Adult size: up to about 3 cm SL
- Lifespan: about 3-5 years
Soft, acidic water suits this nano species; the KB record recommends keeping it in groups of at least eight.
Diet
It is an omnivore. In the aquarium small dried, live and frozen foods are appropriate, offered twice daily.
Compatibility
A peaceful schooling fish suited to nano blackwater communities. Apistogramma, pencilfish and otocinclus make good companions, while large tetras and fin nippers should be avoided.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed in 2021.
Coffee Bean Tetra Breeding Guide
Overview
The Coffee Bean Tetra, Hyphessobrycon takasei, is a small characin from the Araguari and Oyapock River basins of northern South America, reaching a maximum standard length of about 3.0 cm. Like other Hyphessobrycon it is a small egg-scattering tetra.
Breeding Setup
Small Hyphessobrycon are spawned in a separate, dimly lit tank using fine-leaved plants or spawning mops, or a mesh base, so the scattered eggs fall away from the adults. Soft, slightly acidic water consistent with the species' nano blackwater preference is appropriate.
Egg & Fry Care
As an egg-scatterer with no parental care, the adults should be removed after spawning to protect the eggs. Fry of small tetras are reared first on infusoria-grade foods, then on brine shrimp nauplii and microworm. Species-specific egg counts and hatch times were not confirmed in the consulted sources.