Purple Tetra Care Guide
Hyphessobrycon metae is a small tetra from the Orinoco basin, a peaceful schooler that suits soft, dimly lit Amazonian aquariums.
Overview
Hyphessobrycon metae, the Purple tetra, is a small characin from the Orinoco River basin. It is a peaceful schooling fish kept in soft, slightly acidic aquariums.
Taxonomy
- Family: Characidae (order Characiformes)
- Genus: Hyphessobrycon
- Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon metae
Habitat
FishBase records the species from the Orinoco River basin in South America (roughly 10 N to 2 N), as a benthopelagic freshwater fish of tropical waters.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L
- Temperature: 22-27 °C (FishBase reports 22-26 °C)
- pH: 5.5-7.0 (FishBase reports 5.8-6.2)
- GH: 1-8 °dGH (FishBase reports 4-8 dH)
- School size: 8 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
Diet
The Purple tetra is omnivorous and accepts small dried, frozen and live foods in the aquarium, fed twice daily.
Compatibility
It is a peaceful mid-water schooler that shows best in dim light over dark substrate. Suitable companions include Cardinal tetras, Corydoras and Otocinclus. Aggressive species should be avoided.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2020).