Jewel Tetra | Hyphessobrycon callistus

Characins / Characinae / Jewel Tetra

Profile: Jewel Tetra, Callistus Tetra, Blood Characin, Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon callistus SYN: Hemigrammus melanopterus, Hyphessobrycon melanopterus, Tetragonopterus callistus
PD: A laterally compressed, deep-bodied fish. The base body color is brilliant red to reddish brown. A black spot is located just behind the gill cover and ranges in size depending on the age of the individual. It lessen in size with age. The black dorsal fin is tall and has a white fringe. The tail, pectoral, and pelvic fins are red. The pelvic fins have a white fringe. The anal fin is red, but has a black and white fringe.
SIZE: To 2" (5 cm)
SS: Red Phantom Tetra ( Megalamphodus sweglesi)
HAB: Calm blackwater with little current, often full of vegetation. South America; from the Southern Amazon Basin to the Paraguay River Basin. Now most are imported from Asia.
S: bottom, middle
TANK: 20" (50 cm) or 10 gallons (38 L). The tank should be arranged in dark colors, and a cover of floating plants should be used to diffuse the light. Have well-planted areas for hiding, but leave open swimming areas.
WATER: pH 6-7.5 (6.7); 5-25 dH (5); 73-82°F (23-28°C).
SB: Usually a good community fish. Keep in groups of six or more fish. Individuals behave towards each other much like Piranhas, as weaker fish are bitten and attacked, although they are not usually killed. This aggressive behavior can usually be attributed to a lack of food.
SC: Corydoras, hardy tetras, gouramis.
FOOD: Flake; live; insect larvae, Brine Shrimp, Tubifex.
SEX: The male is smaller and brighter in color
B: Use a breeding tank with water qualities of: pH 6-7 and 4-8 dH. The Blood Characin is easy to breed in soft, peat-filtered water. The fry hatch in 24-28 hours. Feed the young small crustaceans, Infusoria, egg yolk, and later, crushed dry food.
BP: 5. The Blood Characin is easily bred.
R: There are several different variants, which have long flowing fins.
DC: 3. A hardy fish that is recommended for a community tank.