Georgette's Tetra

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Originating from Suriname (e.g. Sipaliwini River). Lives in clear and weakly amber rivers that cross lush forests, in slow-flowing areas with plenty of marginal cover and epiphytic algae.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Georgette's Tetra (Hyphessobrycon georgettae). A fascinating and uncommon species. Classic fusiform tetra body, slender and aerodynamic, suitable for hiding among tangles of roots.

Social Behavior: Mild, peaceful, at times very shy. Like all small prey fish, it acquires courage only if housed in a substantial school (8-10 individuals). Spends its days timidly exploring the substrates.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: The background color is semi-transparent silvery. The main feature is the very large eye (adaptation to shaded areas) with the upper part bright red. Males are slenderer and slightly more colorful than the round females.

Aquarium Setup: Prefers Nano aquariums or 60 cm (24 inches) tanks extremely rich in shelters. Intricate roots covered with moss, dry leaves on the bottom, and shielded light (Salvinia or Pistia) will recreate its sense of security.

Diet and Feeding: Small micro-predator. Extremely fine foods must be administered given the very small mouth. Finely crushed flakes, fry powders, and the inevitable daphnia or brine shrimp nauplii to invigorate it.

Water Quality: Fresh and soft waters. It is not tolerant to chemical imbalances or hard alkaline water, which would cause it to waste away. Ensure excellent biological filtration but with a gentle flow (e.g. sponge filter).

Compatibility and Tankmates: Extremely vulnerable if paired with large or boisterous fish. Ideal tankmates are other nano-fish: Boraras, Nannostomus, Corydoras pygmaeus, and Otocinclus. Great for tanks with Neocaridina shrimp.

Aquarium Reproduction: Difficult, linked to the chemical perfection of the water. If ready, they scatter tiny eggs in the mosses. Parents are insatiable predators of the offspring and must be removed promptly. Microscopic larvae (infusoria necessary).

Risks and Diseases: The greatest threat to H. georgettae is starvation if competing with faster fish, or ammonia poisoning in recently set up tanks ("new tank syndrome").