FishFreshwaterIntermediate
©AI Generated·Proprietary
Colombian Tetra
Hyphessobrycon columbianus
The Colombian Tetra is a powerful swimmer native to slow-flowing, clear Colombian streams. It demands large aquariums with open central spaces, dense perimeter vegetation, and a dark substrate.
Water Temperature
24 - 28 °C
pH Value
6 - 7.5
Water type
Freshwater
Tank level
Middle
Adult size
7 cm
Minimum tank volume
>= 60 L
Minimum group
>= 6
GH
4 - 15 dGH
KH
2 - 7 dKH
TDS
80 - 295 ppm
Conductivity
125 - 461 uS/cm
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Endemic to a small debris-filled stream (Rio Acandi) in the Gulf of Darién basin, Colombia. Its biotope is not the classic "Blackwater", but clear or slightly turbid slow-flowing streams.
Taxonomy and Morphology: Colombian Tetra (Hyphessobrycon columbianus). "Giant" tetra of the family, which can reach nearly 7 cm (2.8 inches). Has a tall shield-shaped body, laterally compressed, giving it an appearance very similar to a miniature piranha.
Social Behavior: Very active, bold, and gregarious. Intra-specific interactions are vigorous: males engage in bloodless fights displaying their fins for hierarchical dominance. Must be kept in groups of minimum 8-10, to dilute mutual aggression (fin-nipping).
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Breathtaking livery: metallic silver body with strong cobalt-blue iridescence on the back, accompanied by ventral, anal, and caudal fins of a dense blood red. Females are noticeably stouter and less colorful; males have slightly more elongated dorsal fins.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Aquarium Setup: Needs large aquariums (minimum 100-120 cm / 40-48 inches long) as it is a powerful swimming fish. Setup with open central space, dense perimeter vegetation (e.g. Vallisneria, Java ferns) and a dark bottom.
Diet and Feeding: Extremely voracious omnivore. Dry food in granules/flakes is fine, but it appreciates meaty prey (bloodworms, mysis, brine shrimp) and bits of blanched zucchini. May occasionally nibble on soft-leaved plants if not fed enough.
Water Quality: Robust, adapts very well to classic dechlorinated tap water (pH 6.0-7.5, GH up to 15). Hates excessively cold waters. Sensitive to extreme nitrate fluctuations.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: Ideal fish for a community of robust medium-sized fish (medium Plecostomus, Cichlids like Angelfish, Rainbowfish). Due to its bold character and size, not recommended with tiny rasboras or bettas, whose fins it would nip.
Aquarium Breeding: Very prolific and easy to breed in planted tanks. They lay hundreds of eggs among the vegetation in the morning. Without the removal of parents and abundant feeding, they will prey on the fry.
Risks and Diseases: Very robust to common diseases. Only caution: dominant males superficially injured during skirmishes can develop mild bacteriosis if the water is highly polluted. Prevent with good filters.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Endemic to a small debris-filled stream (Rio Acandi) in the Gulf of Darién basin, Colombia. Its biotope is not the classic "Blackwater", but clear or slightly turbid slow-flowing streams.
Origin
Extra-Amazon South AmericaEurope, Mediterranean, and West Asia
Fish profile
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- This is a highly peaceful and somewhat shy species that thrives in a calm environment. They are a schooling fish that relies on the presence of conspecifics to feel safe and exhibit their best behavior. When kept in sufficiently large groups, they are active and inquisitive without ever bothering tank mates.
- Diet
- Omnivore
- This species is an opportunistic omnivore that will easily accept a wide variety of aquarium foods. A staple diet of high-quality flakes or pellets should be provided daily. For optimal health and coloration, supplement with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp.
- Life expectancy
- 3-5 years
- Under optimal aquarium conditions, the Colombian Tetra has an average lifespan ranging from 3 to 5 years. As a robust and active fish, its overall health is closely tied to a varied diet and thermal stability. Maintaining high water quality and preventing the accumulation of nitrates, to which it is sensitive, are critical factors in helping it reach its maximum age.
- Adult size
- 7 cm
- The catalog's scalar value is 7 cm. The FishBase SPECIES table (v25.04 snapshot) source reports a maximum adult measurement of 7 cm for this species, recorded as total length (TL). The taxonomic record consulted is Hyphessobrycon columbianus (v25.04); male or unsexed record. These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
- Sex ratio
- School
- Maintaining a proper sex ratio is less critical for this species compared to some others, as they are a schooling fish. Keeping them in groups of at least eight to ten individuals ensures natural behavior and reduces stress. Having a mix of males and females can help diffuse any minor squabbles among displaying males.
- Feeding frequency
- Twice daily
- These active fish benefit from multiple small feedings throughout the day rather than one large meal. Feeding them two to three times daily with amounts they can consume in under two minutes is ideal. This schedule helps prevent bloating and keeps water parameters stable by reducing uneaten food.
- Bioload
- As a moderately sized fish, this species produces an average bioload in the aquarium. Proper filtration is necessary to process the waste it generates efficiently. Routine maintenance and regular water changes will ensure a healthy environment.
- Flow
- Stagnant
- This species originates from riverine environments and appreciates a moderate amount of water flow in the aquarium. Good water movement encourages their natural swimming and schooling behaviors. A standard canister or power filter will typically provide the ideal current for them.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- They are egg scatterers that do not provide any parental care to their offspring after spawning. To encourage breeding, a separate tank with soft, slightly acidic water and fine-leaved plants is required. Once eggs are laid and fertilized, the adult fish must be removed promptly to prevent them from eating the eggs.
- Compatibility & tankmates
- This species is exceptionally peaceful and does well in community tanks with other small, non-aggressive fish. They should never be kept with large or boisterous species that might view them as food. Ideal tank mates include small rasboras, Corydoras catfish, and peaceful dwarf cichlids.
- Tank level
- Middle
- This species primarily occupies the middle region of the aquarium water column during normal activities. They are active swimmers that appreciate ample open swimming space in the center of the tank. They will frequently dart in and out of plant thickets or hardscape for cover when resting.
Scientific Parameters & Models
FishBase
Window to the official scientific data of the species
Data synced on: 06/15/2026
- Trophic level
- 2.9 ± 0.3 se
- Resilience
- High (less than 15 months)
- Phylogenetic uniqueness (PD50)
- 0.5
- Bayesian Length-Weight
- a = 0.01202, b = 3.09
- VulnerabilityLow vulnerability (10 / 100)
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
Related species
Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.
