Loreto Tetra Care Guide
Hyphessobrycon peruvianus (Loreto Tetra) is a small peaceful characin from the upper Amazon basin of Peru, best kept in soft, slightly acidic water in groups.
Overview
Hyphessobrycon peruvianus, known as the Loreto or Peruvian Tetra, is a small characin of the family Characidae. It has a silvery body with a horizontal black stripe and is a peaceful resident of the well-researched community aquarium.
Taxonomy
- Family: Characidae
- Genus: Hyphessobrycon
- Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon peruvianus
Habitat
The species is native to the upper Amazon basin in Peru, recorded from the rios Amazonas-Solimoes, Maranon, Napo, Itaya, Tigre, Corrientes and Ucayali. It is a freshwater fish of tropical waters.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L
- Temperature: 23-27 °C (73-81 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.0
- GH: 1-8 °dGH
- School size: 8 or more individuals
- Adult size: up to about 4 cm SL
- Lifespan: about 3-5 years
Seriously Fish recommends a group of at least 8-10 specimens, with other schooling fishes added to provide security.
Diet
It is an opportunistic omnivore that likely consumes aquatic invertebrates in nature. In the aquarium it accepts small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia and Artemia alongside good-quality dried flakes and granules.
Compatibility
Generally peaceful, it suits community tanks with similarly sized, calm species such as cardinal tetras, corydoras and Apistogramma. Aggressive cichlids and large predators should be avoided.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed in 2014.