Meta Tetra

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Orinoco River basin, particularly in the Rio Meta (Colombia and Venezuela). In nature, it populates oxbow lakes, slow streams (caños), and flooded forest areas characterized by dense vegetation and amber or clear water.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Meta Tetra (Hyphessobrycon metae). Morphologically similar to the Loreto Tetra (H. loretoensis) and the Peruvian Tetra (H. peruvianus). It has a slender body but slightly taller than neons, ideal for quick maneuvers.

Social Behavior: Gregarious nature, lives in large schools that give it security and reduce stress. It is indispensable to keep it in groups of at least 8-10 individuals. Lively swimmer and perpetually in motion.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Silvery-gray body crossed longitudinally by a marked black stripe bordered with gold, extending to the rays of the caudal fin. The lower lobe of the caudal is often pinkish or red. Males are slightly slenderer and more colorful.

Aquarium Setup: Minimum 60-80 cm (24-32 inches) tank. It is essential to offer a setup rich in submerged wood, plants (e.g. Echinodorus, Cabomba), and reduced lighting to enhance its iridescent liveries and tranquility.

Diet and Feeding: Easy micro-predator. The staple diet includes flakes and small granules. Regular integration of live (brine shrimp, daphnia) or frozen food will keep predatory activity and bright colors alive.

Water Quality: Appreciates soft and moderately acidic waters (pH 5.5-7.0) with nitrogenous pollutants close to zero. A mature filtration and light tannin releases (catappa leaves) are highly recommended.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Excellent for South American community aquariums. Coexists perfectly with Corydoras, Apistogramma, Ancistrus, and other small characins. Avoid coexistence with medium-large cichlids that could prey on it.

Aquarium Reproduction: Oviparous species (egg-scatterer). Reproduces among fine-leaved vegetation. Devoid of parental care, the adult is a greedy predator of its own eggs. Immediately separate the pair after spawning.

Risks and Diseases: No specific susceptibility, provided well-filtered water is guaranteed. A small number of specimens will result in perpetual lethargy, loss of color, and immune weakening.