Epicharis Tetra

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Originating from the Baria River basin, a tributary of the Casiquiare River system in Venezuela. Populates forest streams with clear or weakly amber waters, flowing under the dense jungle canopy.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Epicharis Tetra (Hyphessobrycon epicharis). "Epicharis" in Greek means "graceful" or "pleasing". Possesses a slender body but slightly taller than the tiniest tetras, with the typical adipose fin of the genus.

Social Behavior: Extremely peaceful and gregarious. Like many small Characins, it finds security only within a large school (10+ specimens recommended). Actively swims at mid-depth, exploring the environment without ever attacking.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Silvery/gray background color with a marked teardrop-shaped dark spot behind the brachial operculum (shoulder spot). Dominant males show reddish hues on the fins and are slenderer than the round females.

Aquarium Setup: Minimum 60 cm (24 inches) aquarium, richly planted. A dark sand bottom with some knotty driftwood and oak or catappa leaves will provide ideal tannins and reassure the school.

Diet and Feeding: Easy-to-please micro-predator. In addition to dry flakes or crushed micro-pellets, the administration of brine shrimp nauplii and live daphnia is recommended to stimulate colors and reproductive behaviors.

Water Quality: Requires soft (GH 1-10) and slightly acidic (pH 5.5-7.0) waters. Sensitive to nitrogenous pollutant accumulations: a mature filtration system and weekly 20% partial changes are mandatory.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Excellent for Amazonian community aquariums. Perfect companion for Apistogramma, Mikrogeophagus ramirezi, Corydoras, and Otocinclus. Not to be paired with excessively large fish (e.g. Angelfish) that might prey on it.

Aquarium Reproduction: Egg scatterer. Courtship occurs at dawn; females release eggs among fine vegetation. Promptly remove parents to save the offspring, which will need to be fed with infusoria.

Risks and Diseases: Generally robust if kept in the right parameters. Vulnerable to common bacterial or fungal diseases (e.g. Ichthyophthirius) only if subjected to thermal shocks or prolonged water stress.