Some species of ornamental fish live in a kind of shadowy existence. Basically speaking they are always available, beautiful and ideal aquarium fish, but it seems that nobody keeps them actually. One of those species is Hyphessobrycon loretoensis. The tiny tetra (maximum length around 3.5 cm) has been imported as an ornamental fish in 1938, found to be a species new to science and described scientifically. Since then the species has been much-vaunted as an ideal aquarium inhabitant.
The tetra originates from the upper Amazon river, Loreto province, Peru. It is not a schooling fish at all, but it is necessary to keep 10-20 specimens together. Otherwise they do not feel well and will never show their typical behaviour. The Loreto tetra swims in schools only when it feels endangered. As this situation virtually never appears in the home aquarium, each individual will soon occupy a small territory and defend it against conspecifics. The intensity of the black band and the red caudal fin shows the position in the hierarchy. However, these fights never lead to any wounds.
The Loreto tetra looks best when kept in aquaria with many plants, dark bottom (dead leaves, peat etc.), soft and slightly acidic water and not too high temperatures (22-24°C). It is absolutely peaceful against all tankmates. Any type of fishfood will readily be taken.
For our customers: the fish has code 261304 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.
Lexicon: Hyphessobrycon: ancient Greek, means “small Brycon”. Brycon is another genus of tetras. loretoensis: after the Loreto province in Peru.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
| Angaben zum Tier | |
|---|---|
| Herkunft | Peru |
| Verfügbare Größe in cm | 2-3 |
