Yellow tetra
Hyphessobrycon bifasciatus
A tetra with golden-yellow hues glowing on fins and silver body, with two thin dark lateral bands. Native to coastal river systems of southeastern Brazil, it is a robust, adaptable tetra that tolerates a wide parameter range. Peculiarity: wild specimens may show golden coloration caused by a trematode parasite of the natural biotope — a harmless, purely aesthetic phenomenon absent in captive-bred specimens. Prefers slightly cooler temperatures (20–25 °C) than the tropical average. Breeding among the easiest for characids.
Temperatura da água
21 - 26 °C
Valor de pH
5.5 - 7.5
Tipo de água
Água doce
Nível do tanque
Meio
Tamanho adulto
4,7 cm
Volume mínimo do tanque
>= 55 L
Grupo mínimo
>= 6
GH
7 - 40 dGH
KH
3 - 20 dKH
TDS
135 - 800 ppm
Condutividade
211 - 1.250 uS/cm
Descrição da espécie
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Endemic to the highly varied river basins of southeastern Brazil, specifically the coastal drainages and the massive Paraná River system. Hyphessobrycon bifasciatus (the Yellow Tetra) naturally colonizes an incredibly wide range of habitats, from slow-moving, deeply shaded blackwater swamps heavily choked with vegetation, to clear, sunlit, fast-flowing streams running over rocky and sandy substrates.
Taxonomy and Morphology: Scientifically classified within the Characidae family, it belongs to the massive Hyphessobrycon genus. Taxonomically, its specific name "bifasciatus" directly translates to "two-banded," which perfectly references the two distinct vertical dark marks located just behind its gills. Morphologically, it possesses a deep, slightly stocky, laterally compressed body, distinguishing it from the sleek, torpedo-shaped tetras. It possesses the classic characin adipose fin.
Social Behavior: They are exceptionally peaceful, highly active, and strictly obligate schooling fish. To feel psychologically secure and display natural behavior, they must be kept in a massive group (absolute minimum 8-10, ideally 15+). When kept in inadequate numbers, they become fearful, wash out their colors, and hide constantly. Within a large school, they are confident mid-water dwellers, constantly engaging in harmless, rapid-fire hierarchical chasing.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Sexual dimorphism is subtle; fully mature females are noticeably larger, broader, and possess a significantly deeper, plumper belly, especially when gravid. The coloration gives the fish its common name. The base body is an iridescent, translucent, metallic silvery-yellow or brilliant gold. The defining features are the two vertical dark bars (fasciae) behind the operculum (gill cover) and a stunning flash of brilliant red in the upper half of the iris.
Cuidado, criação e companheiros de tanque
Aquarium Setup: The aquarium architecture must provide a secure, heavily structured environment to bring out their glowing yellow coloration. A minimum 60-liter tank is required for a school. The layout MUST include dense thickets of tall background plants (like Vallisneria or Amazon Swords) and extensive driftwood tangles to provide secure hiding places. However, the entire central water column must remain completely wide open, as they are tireless, active swimmers.
Diet and Feeding: In their natural Brazilian tributaries, they are ravenous, opportunistic omnivores, feeding constantly on terrestrial insects, aquatic larvae, microscopic crustaceans, and soft plant matter. In captivity, they are phenomenally unfussy eaters. They readily accept high-quality flakes and micro-pellets. However, for optimal health and to intensely enhance their metallic yellow coloration, their diet MUST be heavily supplemented with frozen bloodworms, daphnia, and spirulina.
Water Quality: Originating from highly variable coastal drainages, they are incredibly hardy, forgiving, and highly adaptable. They thrive in standard tropical temperatures (20-26°C) and can easily adapt to a wide range of water parameters, making them excellent for beginner aquarists. They tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline water (pH 6.0 - 7.5). Because they are highly active, they produce a moderate bio-load and require efficient biological filtration.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: They are the quintessential, ultra-peaceful community fish. They can be housed with virtually any peaceful, similarly sized species. Excellent tankmates include other South American characins (Neon Tetras, Rummy-nose Tetras), dwarf cichlids (Apistogramma, Rams), peaceful barbs, and bottom-dwellers (Corydoras, Plecos). You MUST avoid housing them with massive, aggressive predators (like Oscars or large Angelfish) which will easily swallow them whole.
Aquarium Breeding: Breeding is exceptionally easy, making them ideal for beginners attempting tetra breeding. They are prolific egg-scatterers. To induce breeding, condition a pair with live foods and move them to a separate, dimly lit breeding tank filled with fine-leaved plants (like Java Moss). Following a frantic, high-speed courtship through the plants, the female scatters hundreds of adhesive eggs. The adults are ravenous egg-eaters and MUST be removed immediately post-spawning.
Risks and Diseases: Physically, they are virtually indestructible and highly disease-resistant if kept in a properly maintained aquarium. The greatest risk is keeping them in small numbers (under 6), which leads to severe psychological stress, a compromised immune system, and extreme lethargy. Medically, they are susceptible to standard freshwater diseases like Ich (white spot) if subjected to severe, sudden temperature drops or profound neglect of water quality.
Origem e distribuição geográfica
Endemic to the highly varied river basins of southeastern Brazil, specifically the coastal drainages and the massive Paraná River system. Hyphessobrycon bifasciatus (the Yellow Tetra) naturally colonizes an incredibly wide range of habitats, from slow-moving, deeply shaded blackwater swamps heavily choked with vegetation, to clear, sunlit, fast-flowing streams running over rocky and sandy substrates.
Origem
Extra-Amazônica América do Sul
Perfil de peixe
- Temperamento
- Peaceful
- This is a highly peaceful and somewhat shy species that thrives in a calm environment. They are a schooling fish that relies on the presence of conspecifics to feel safe and exhibit their best behavior. When kept in sufficiently large groups, they are active and inquisitive without ever bothering tank mates.
- Dieta
- Omnivore
- This species is an opportunistic omnivore that will easily accept a wide variety of aquarium foods. A staple diet of high-quality flakes or pellets should be provided daily. For optimal health and coloration, supplement with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp.
- Expectativa de vida
- 3-5 years
- Tamanho adulto
- 4.7 cm
- Proporção sexual
- School
- Maintaining a proper sex ratio is less critical for this species compared to some others, as they are a schooling fish. Keeping them in groups of at least eight to ten individuals ensures natural behavior and reduces stress. Having a mix of males and females can help diffuse any minor squabbles among displaying males.
- Frequência de alimentação
- Twice daily
- These active fish benefit from multiple small feedings throughout the day rather than one large meal. Feeding them two to three times daily with amounts they can consume in under two minutes is ideal. This schedule helps prevent bloating and keeps water parameters stable by reducing uneaten food.
- Carga biológica
- Low
- This species produces a very minimal bioload due to its small physical size. It is highly suitable for smaller aquariums or heavily planted setups. However, standard filtration and regular water changes remain essential.
- Fluxo
- Strong
- Originating from slow-moving tributaries and forested pools, they prefer gentle to moderate water currents. High flow environments can quickly exhaust these fish and cause them significant stress. A sponge filter or a baffled hang-on-back filter provides the perfect amount of water movement.
- Risco de salto
- No
- Reprodução
- Oviparous
- They are egg scatterers that do not provide any parental care to their offspring after spawning. To encourage breeding, a separate tank with soft, slightly acidic water and fine-leaved plants is required. Once eggs are laid and fertilized, the adult fish must be removed promptly to prevent them from eating the eggs.
- Compatibilidade e companheiros de tanque
- Community
- This species is exceptionally peaceful and does well in community tanks with other small, non-aggressive fish. They should never be kept with large or boisterous species that might view them as food. Ideal tank mates include small rasboras, Corydoras catfish, and peaceful dwarf cichlids.
- Nível do tanque
- Middle
- This species primarily occupies the middle region of the aquarium water column during normal activities. They are active swimmers that appreciate ample open swimming space in the center of the tank. They will frequently dart in and out of plant thickets or hardscape for cover when resting.
Modelos e parâmetros científicos
FishBase
Acesso aos dados científicos oficiais da espécie
FishBase v25.04Dados sincronizados em: 15/06/2026
- Nível trófico
- 2,9 ± 0,3 se
- Resiliência
- Alta (menos de 15 meses)
- Unicidade filogenética (PD50)
- 0.5
- Relação bayesiana comprimento-peso
- a = 0.01202, b = 3.09
- VulnerabilidadeVulnerabilidade baixa (10 / 100)
Galeria de imagens
Imagens licenciadas vinculadas à espécie ou, quando marcadas, ao táxon representativo mais próximo.
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