Socolof's Tetra Care Guide
Hyphessobrycon socolofi is a peaceful characin from the rio Negro basin in Brazil, resembling a smaller bleeding heart tetra and suited to soft, acidic tanks.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Hyphessobrycon socolofi is a peaceful characin of the family Characidae that resembles a smaller bleeding heart tetra, with a faint red blotch on the flank. It is sometimes treated under the name Megalamphodus socolofi.
Taxonomy
- Family: Characidae
- Genus: Hyphessobrycon
- Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon socolofi
Habitat
According to Seriously Fish the species is known from the rio Negro basin in Amazonas state, Brazil, and the rio Nhamunda tributary, occurring in affluents including the rios Branco, Padauari and Marauia. It is a tropical freshwater fish.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.0
- GH: 1-10 °dGH
- School size: 6 or more individuals
- Adult size: up to about 5.6 cm SL
- Lifespan: about 4-6 years
Dim lighting and leaf litter reflect its natural blackwater environment; Seriously Fish recommends groups of 8-10 specimens.
Diet
It is an opportunistic omnivore; wild specimens were found to consume mostly fruit remains with a small fraction of aquatic insects. In the aquarium it accepts small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia and Artemia alongside dried foods.
Compatibility
Generally peaceful, though adult males can be territorial to an extent. Corydoras, Apistogramma and hatchetfish make good companions, while fin nippers and aggressive cichlids should be avoided.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed in 2018.
Socolof's Tetra Breeding Guide
Overview
Socolof's Tetra, Hyphessobrycon socolofi, is a characin known only from the rio Negro basin in Amazonas state, Brazil, plus the rio Nhamundá, occurring in affluents such as the rios Branco, Padauari and Marauiá. It reaches a maximum standard length of 56 mm and is an egg-scatterer exhibiting no parental care.
Sexing
Males grow noticeably larger and are more intensely coloured than females. In adult males the dorsal, pelvic and anal fins are highly extended, while adult females tend to be rounder, especially when gravid.
Breeding Setup
As a non-guarding egg-scatterer, this tetra is spawned in a separate dimly lit tank with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops, or a mesh base, allowing eggs to drop away from the adults. Soft, acidic water within its maintenance range (22-28 °C, pH 4.0-7.5, hardness 18-179 ppm) suits spawning.
Egg & Fry Care
The adults should be removed after spawning, since no parental care is given. In established tanks, leaf litter can provide a valuable secondary food source for fry. Fry are reared on infusoria-grade foods, progressing to brine shrimp nauplii and microworm. Species-specific hatch times were not recorded in the consulted sources.