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Colombian Tetra
Hyphessobrycon columbianus
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Characidae
📍 Acandí River, Colombia
The Colombian tetra, also known as the red and blue Colombian tetra, is a larger, striking tetra with brilliant blue iridescence on the upper body contrasting with vivid red fins. Males are larger and more intensely coloured. It is a boisterous species that may nip at long-finned tankmates, so it is best kept in large schools to diffuse aggression.
Care Guide
Diet
Colombian tetras are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet of high-quality flake food and small pellets as staples, supplemented 3-4 times weekly with frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Occasional vegetable matter like blanched spinach supports digestive health. Feed small portions once daily, only what they consume in 2-3 minutes.
Behavior
This boisterous, active tetra exhibits semi-aggressive behavior and is a prolific fin-nipper, particularly toward long-finned species. They are mid-water swimmers that display constant activity and social hierarchy within schools. Keeping them in groups of 10 or more significantly reduces aggression by diffusing dominance behaviors.
Breeding
Breeding Colombian tetras in captivity is moderately difficult and rarely achieved in home aquariums. They require soft, acidic water (pH 5.5–6.5), dense vegetation for egg scattering, and separation of parents immediately after spawning to prevent egg consumption. Fry are tiny and require infusoria or liquid fry food for the first week.
Tank Mates
Similar size and water parameters; peaceful nature helps balance Colombian tetra aggression in larger schools
Nocturnal algae eater that avoids mid-water competition; hardy and too armored for fin-nipping
Similar tetra with comparable aggression levels; schooling together reduces individual stress
May be nipped or preyed upon; only viable if tank is heavily planted with dense hiding spots
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against objects, lethargy
Raise temperature gradually to 28–29°C, perform daily 25% water changes, and treat with aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per 5 gallons) or commercial ich medication for 7–10 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin bases, progressive fin loss
Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, remove sharp decorations, and treat with antibacterial medication if secondary infection occurs
Neon Tetra Disease (Pleistophora)
Loss of coloration, spinal curvature, lethargy, erratic swimming behavior
No cure exists; isolate affected fish to prevent spread, maintain pristine water conditions, and consider euthanasia if suffering is severe
Columnaris (Flexibacter columnaris)
Whitish film on body, mouth rot, fin erosion, rapid gill movement
Perform large water changes, lower temperature to 24°C, improve aeration, and treat with antibacterial medication or salt baths
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore – quality flake, pellets, frozen foods
- schooling
- 10+ recommended
- tank size
- 30 gallons minimum
- temperament
- Semi-aggressive – potential fin nipper; keep in large schools
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–7.5
- hardness
- 3–15 dGH
- temperature
- 72–81°F (22–27°C)