Ornate Tetra Care Guide
Hyphessobrycon bentosi (Ornate Tetra) is a small pinkish characin from the Amazon basin with white-tipped fins, a peaceful schooling fish for soft acidic tanks.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Hyphessobrycon bentosi, the Ornate Tetra, is a small pinkish characin of the family Characidae with white-tipped, extended fins. It is often confused with the rosy tetra and is sometimes treated as Megalamphodus bentosi.
Taxonomy
- Family: Characidae
- Genus: Hyphessobrycon
- Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon bentosi
Habitat
According to FishBase the species occurs in the Amazon River basin in South America. It is a benthopelagic, tropical freshwater fish and is used in both fisheries and the aquarium trade.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 5.8-7.5
- GH: 5-19 °dGH
- School size: 6 or more individuals
- Adult size: up to about 4.3 cm SL
- Lifespan: about 4-6 years
FishBase notes that aquarium care recommends groups of five or more individuals in tanks at least 60 cm long.
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 soft, acidic Amazon-style community tanks. Corydoras, rummy-nose tetras and angelfish make good companions, while fin nippers should be avoided.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed in 2021.
Ornate Tetra Breeding Guide
Overview
The Ornate Tetra, Hyphessobrycon bentosi, is a characin of the lower Amazon basin; its type locality is the Amazon River at Óbidos, Pará, Brazil. It reaches a maximum standard length of 40-45 mm and is an egg-scattering free spawner exhibiting no parental care.
Sexing
Males are less deep-bodied, slightly smaller and more intensely coloured than females, particularly in the dorsal and anal fins.
Conditioning
Groups can be conditioned together. A single pair, or a group of one or two males with several females, is then introduced to the spawning container.
Breeding Setup
Use a very dimly lit spawning tank fitted with a fine-leaved plant such as Taxiphyllum spp. or spawning mops, or a mesh that lets eggs fall through while keeping adults away from them. Provide gentle aeration from an air-powered sponge filter or air stones, slightly acidic to neutral pH and a temperature towards the upper part of the 20-28 °C range.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Spawning typically results in eggs being found the following morning. The species gives no parental care.
Egg & Fry Care
Adults should be removed after spawning. First foods are Paramecium or a proprietary dry food in the 5-50 micron grade, progressing to Artemia nauplii and microworm as the fry grow.