Lowe's Tetra

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Native to the Xingu River basin in Brazil. It inhabits clear to slightly tinted streams with moderate current and dense aquatic vegetation.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Part of the Characidae family. Features an oval-shaped, compressed body with large eyes, characteristic of the genus Hyphessobrycon.

Social Behavior: A peaceful and active schooling fish. Best kept in a group of at least 6-8 individuals to encourage natural behavior and schooling patterns.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Golden-yellow body coloration with orange and reddish highlights on the fins. Males possess longer dorsal and anal fins and are more intensely colored than females.

Aquarium Setup: Requires a well-planted aquarium with plenty of shelter, driftwood, and a dark substrate to make their colors stand out.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous. Readily accepts flakes, small pellets, and frozen foods such as daphnia, cyclops, and baby brine shrimp.

Water Quality: Prefers soft, acidic to neutral water (pH 5.5-7.2) with moderate water movement and clean water conditions.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Exceptionally peaceful. Compatible with other tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, and peaceful dwarf cichlids.

Aquarium Breeding: Oviparous. Spawning is facilitated in a separate tank with fine plants and soft, slightly acidic water conditions.

Risks and Diseases: Prone to stress and bacterial infections if water quality is not kept optimal or if housed with aggressive species.