Featherfin Tetra Care Guide
Hemigrammus unilineatus is a peaceful silver tetra from northern South America with white-tipped fins and easy care.
Overview
Hemigrammus unilineatus, the featherfin tetra, is a small South American characin. It is silver with a single dark line and white-tipped dorsal and anal fins. FishBase records a maximum size around 5.3 cm.
Taxonomy
- Family: Characidae
- Genus: Hemigrammus
- Scientific name: Hemigrammus unilineatus
Habitat
According to FishBase and Seriously Fish, the species occurs across northern South America, including Trinidad, coastal Venezuelan rivers, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and the Amazon and Guaporé basins. It inhabits ponds, ditches and slow-flowing streams, oxbow lakes and tributaries, in waters that may be clear or turbid.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.8
- GH: 4-14 °dGH
- School size: 6 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
Diet
The species is omnivorous. FishBase reports it feeds on small crustaceans, insects and mollusks. Seriously Fish recommends a mix of dried flakes and granules with small live and frozen foods in the aquarium.
Compatibility
This is a peaceful, gregarious schooling tetra best kept in groups of six or more, ideally ten. Seriously Fish notes it does well with other South American species such as tetras, pencilfish and dwarf cichlids, and should be kept away from fin-nippers and aggressive fish.
Breeding
According to Seriously Fish, the species can spawn in pairs or groups in dimly lit, densely planted tanks with soft, acidic water; eggs hatch in roughly 24-36 hours and fry initially require infusoria-grade foods. FishBase describes the species as easy to rear and reproduce in the aquarium.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2021).