Compressed Tetra Care Guide
Hyphessobrycon compressus (Compressed Tetra) is a robust deep-bodied characin from the Rio Papaloapan basin in Mexico, more tolerant of harder water than Amazonian relatives.
Overview
Hyphessobrycon compressus, sometimes called the Mayan or Compressed Tetra, is a robust characin of the family Characidae with a relatively deep body. It is more tolerant of harder water than its Amazonian relatives.
Taxonomy
- Family: Characidae
- Genus: Hyphessobrycon
- Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon compressus
Habitat
According to FishBase the species occurs in the Rio Papaloapan basin in Mexico. It is a benthopelagic, tropical freshwater fish.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 120 L
- Temperature: 23-26 °C (73-79 °F)
- pH: 6.5-8.0
- GH: 5-18 °dGH
- School size: 6 or more individuals
- Adult size: up to about 4.4 cm TL
- Lifespan: about 4-6 years
Its tolerance of harder, more alkaline water sets it apart from soft-water Amazon tetras.
Diet
It is an omnivore. In the aquarium small dried, live and frozen foods are appropriate, offered twice daily.
Compatibility
A peaceful schooling fish. Given its hard-water tolerance, suitable companions include convict cichlids, swordtails and platies; very soft-water species are best kept separately.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed in 2018.