Coffee-bean Tetra

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Originating from the Araguari River basin in the state of Amapá in Brazil. Lives in small shallow streams flowing under the dense forest canopy, with a muddy bottom strewn with leaves and organic debris.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Coffee Bean Tetra (Hyphessobrycon takasei). The common name "coffee bean" refers to the unmistakable dark oval spot on the flanks. Slender but tall species, morphologically compact, discovered by aquarium pioneer Heiko Bleher.

Social Behavior: Very lively but peaceful. Extremely gregarious, loves to move in a school exploring the middle and lower layer of the aquarium, inspecting everything in search of food particles. Minimum group: 8-10 individuals.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: The base color is a very light translucent silver with golden nuances. On the flank stands out the gigantic and sharp dark "coffee bean" shaped spot. Males are slightly smaller and possess more pointed fins.

Aquarium Setup: 60-80 cm (24-32 inches) aquarium, densely planted. Prefers an "intricate" Amazonian layout, with wood (e.g. Red Moor), smooth rocks, undemanding plants (Cryptocoryne, Echinodorus), and dimmed light.

Diet and Feeding: No particular demands (Omnivore). It is a formidable flake eater. In order to keep its intestine healthy, administer frozen daphnia and a pinch of plant-based food regularly.

Water Quality: Fresh and well-filtered water, possibly amber to recreate the sense of security of the native rivers. pH from acidic to weakly neutral, without sudden weekly fluctuations.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Exemplary community fish. Suitable for nano-aquariums if in small schools or large tanks paired with Carnegiella (hatchetfish), Corydoras, and Nannostomus. Does not attack even fry of other species or adult neocaridina shrimp.

Aquarium Reproduction: Very simple. Typical scatterer that disperses microscopic eggs on bushes of fine plants or mosses. They do not provide parental care. Isolate breeders in the evening and remove them after spawning at dawn.

Risks and Diseases: Robust, H. takasei suffers almost solely from pathologies related to aquarium hygiene. In bare tanks or with restless fish it will be terrified, fading away.