Hexastichos Tetra

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Native to the upper Rio Tapajós basin in Brazil. Found in clear streams with slow to moderate currents and sandy bottoms.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the genus Hyphessobrycon. Marked by six distinctive horizontal dark lines running along the flanks. Grows to 5 cm.

Social Behavior: Lively and peaceful shoaling fish. Must be kept in a group of at least 6 to display its natural schooling behavior and maintain health.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Silver body with golden reflections and the namesake six stripes. Mature males are slimmer and more colorful than females.

Aquarium Setup: An aquarium of at least 80 liters with moderate water flow is recommended. Provide dense vegetation on the sides and a sandy substrate.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous. Readily eats high-quality flake foods and small pellets. Supplement with live or frozen daphnia or brine shrimp.

Water Quality: Maintain pH between 6.0 and 7.5, and GH between 2 and 12. Good filtration is necessary to keep organic waste levels low.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Peaceful and suitable for community tanks. Best kept with similarly sized, non-aggressive species.

Aquarium Breeding: Egg-scatterer. Scatter eggs among plants. Needs soft, slightly acidic water and dimly lit breeding conditions.

Risks and Diseases: Jump risk exists during fast swimming or if startled. Keep the aquarium securely covered.