Although Hemigrammus coeruleus has a very wide distribution in Amazonia (Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia) and was scientifically described as early as 1908, it only entered aquariums in the early 2000s (at least recognized). H. coeruleus is a fish with two faces: in neutral mood it is pretty, but not spectacular and looks like a mixture of glowlight and three-banded tetra. But when he gets into courtship mood, it is a sensation! After it was celebrated enthusiastically at the beginning and also already offsprings appeared on the market, it has become quiet about this tetra today. Why only?
We think that it lacks a good popular name. The scientific name “coeruleus” (= the blue one) does not fit at all. It becomes blue only dead in alcohol. We suggest “volcano tetra”, because the deep red color of courting males actually reminds of glowing lava!
For more information see https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/09-characoids-tetra-relationship/hemigrammus-coeruleus-2/ and https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/09-characoids-tetra-relationship/hemigrammus_coeruleus_en/
At the moment we can offer wonderful wild ones of this rarity from Colombia.
For our customers: the animals have code 256313 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesale trade
Text: Frank Schäfer, Photos: F. Schäfer and Peter & Martin Hoffmann
