Description

Colombian Tetra – Hyphessobrycon columbianus

Colombian Tetra – Hyphessobrycon columbianus are a peaceful shoaling species from Colombia. They are one of the larger tetra species, which makes them great candidates for larger aquaria with peaceful cichlids and other larger fish that would eat smaller shoalers. These fish are often overlooked in shops as they may appear quite drab as juveniles, but once they settle, they colour up to reveal an iridescent blue stripe all the way down the spine and bright red fins, making them one of the most interesting fish in the aquarium. At Shirley Aquatics we stock the largest size available to us to ensure the best possible health and for the early signs of colouration in the fish.

It’s worth noting that these fish are still juveniles and have yet to colour up. Giving them plenty of protein rich foods will help bring them into breeding condition, which is when they’re at their most colourful.

Colombian Tetra Aquarium

Colombian Tetras are one of the larger species of Tetras, so the aquarium should be spacious enough to accommodate a shoal of at least 6 specimens, with soft and acidic conditions. There should be a reasonable amount of open swimming space, as well as rocks, wood and other furnishings to provide enrichment and hiding places. Dim lighting is recommended as these fish prefer darker waters. Tannins and floating plants can both help diffuse the lighting. Plants are recommended, but it’s best to avoid any fine leaved species like Cabomba Aquatica and Limnophila sessiliflora as the fish will most likely nip at these leaves, but not necessarily eat them.

Colombian Tetra Behaviour

Hyphessobrycon columbianus should be kept in a shoal of 6 or more individuals and they tend to be quite an energetic, active fish, especially at feeding times. Their confidence and colour improves significantly in larger shoals. Though they are generally peaceful, they are a pretty boisterous species and have been known to zoom around like Piranhas and sometimes even jump clean out of tanks when trying to catch food that hasn’t even reached the water. They are known for being somewhat nippy, so it’s best to avoid housing them with any long finned species of fish, as well as anything that is easily intimidated or spooked.

Ideal Tank Mates

Tank mates for Colombian Tetra can include some of the larger cichlids, like severums and acaras, angelfish, barbs, several catfish and larger community fish such as Denison Barbs and Congo Tetras. Avoid slow feeding fish that may not get their share of food and anything with long fins as these fish are known to fin nip.

Feeding Colombian Tetras

This is not a fussy fish and will take almost anything offered. Food can be given in the form of pellets, as well as fresh and frozen fish foods such as bloodworms, mysis, brine shrimp and daphnia. We recommend Hikari Micro Pellets for the current size of Colombian Tetras as it is very high in protein and still small enough for the fish to fit in their mouths.

Colombian Tetra – Hyphessobrycon columbianus FAQ

Can Colombian Tetras go in my community tank?

This is a great fish for a large community tank, owing to its uncomplicated nature and noteworthy adult size. But it is important to ensure that they are not housed with any long finned fish like guppies and betta or fish that are easily spooked like discus and some dwarf cichlids.

Can I get a male and female pair of this fish?

Unfortunately it is not possible for us to tell male and female of Hyphessobrycon columbianus apart on these fish as they are virtually identical. However, a shoal of six will have at least one of each.

Can Colombian Tetras be kept with Cichlids?

Absolutely. They are a fast and very active species that’s also quite large for a tetra. Choose your cichlids wisely though as some are outright predatory and far too aggressive to be kept with any Tetra.

Are Colombian Tetras suitable for Beginners?

Definitely. They are pretty undemanding and incredibly robust. They’ll make a great addition to larger beginner aquariums.

Will this species shoal with my other Tetras?

Probably not. Though sometimes you will see several types of tetra be in the same area, they are not necessarily shoaling together. Each species recognises only its own as a shoaling partner. Colombian Tetra will shoal with others of their own kind.

If you have any questions about keeping Hyphessobrycon columbianus, please contact us and a member of our friendly store team will be more than happy to answer all of your questions

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