Marginatus Tetra (Hemigrammus marginatus) Care Guide
Hemigrammus marginatus is a slim, silvery South American tetra with yellow markings on the caudal fin, kept as a peaceful shoaling species.
Overview
Hemigrammus marginatus is a slim, silvery characid from South America, sometimes traded as the Bassam tetra. It is named for the yellow and black margins on the caudal fin. It is a peaceful, active shoaling species.
Taxonomy
- Family: Characidae
- Genus: Hemigrammus
- Scientific name: Hemigrammus marginatus
Habitat
Widely distributed across South America, including the Amazon and Orinoco basins, the Guaporé, and the São Francisco, Itapicuru, Paraná and Paraguay river basins in Brazil. It is a freshwater, benthopelagic species.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- School size: at least 6 individuals
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
Diet
An omnivore with a comparatively low trophic level. In the aquarium it accepts dried flakes and granules alongside small live and frozen foods.
Compatibility
A peaceful mid-water shoaling fish suitable for community tanks. It associates well with Corydoras and pencilfish and should be kept away from fin-nippers.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2021).