Hyphessobrycon | Hyphessobrycon
Characins / Characinae / Hyphessobrycon
Profile: Hyphessobrycon
Hyphessobrycon
SIZE: The fish of the Hyphessobrycon genus are small, ranging from 1.2" (4 cm) to 3.2" (8 cm) in size.
HAB: Most Hyphessobrycon are found in shallow, heavily vegetated areas of rivers and creeks. Although the genus Hyphessobrycon are distributed throughout South America and even as far north as Southern Mexico (Central America), the most concentrated populations of Hyphessobrycon species can be found in the Amazon and Orinoco River Basins.
S: The fish of this family usually swim in the mid-water levels.
TANK: Most of these fish can be kept in a small, 20" (50 cm) or 10 gallons (38 L), tank. The tank should be heavily planted with some open areas for free-swimming. The tank should be arranged in dark colors, and have the lighting diffused by a cover of floating plants.
WATER: These fish can tolerate a pH from 6-7.5, but prefer slightly acidic water. They like soft water ranging from 2-15 dH, and require a temperature of 73-82°F (23-28°C).
SB: Hyphessobrycon fish are usually peaceful, schooling fish that are easily maintained in a community tank with other schooling characins of a similar size.
SC: Tetras, Corydoras, Apistogramma, Loricarids, Discus, Gouramis.
FOOD: Flake; live; insect larvae, Brine Shrimp, Tubifex.
SEX: For most Hyphessobrycon species, the sexes are easily differentiated. Usually the male is more slender and has a more pointed swim bladder in comparison with the female.
B: Prior to spawning, a year-old pair should be selected and separated. Each fish should be conditioned on insect larvae and Drosophila . The pair can be introduced into a breeding tank after two or three weeks. For most species a 20" (50 cm) or 10 gallon (38 L) breeding tank should do. The water properties of the tank should be as follows: a temperature between 75-79°F (24-26°C), a pH from 5.5 to 6.5, and a soft water hardness of 2-4 dH. This soft water hardness can be reached by filtering boiled water with large amounts of peat. Clean the tank carefully, and use no substrate. The tank should be kept dark, and fine leafed plants should be included. Use a calm (little current producing) filter-possibly a foam or sponge type-for filtration. The pair should spawn within three days after introduction into the spawning tank. If the pair does not spawn, they should be reconditioned and reintroduced. Depending on the species and size of a fish, up to 300 eggs will be scattered among the plants. The pair should be removed immediately after spawning. In most cases the fry hatch after 24-36 hours and are free-swimming a few days later. Start feeding-after the egg sacs have been consumed-with microorganisms and Brine Shrimp nauplii. After about 10 days, the fry can start being given crushed flake foods. Make weekly, partial water changes for the fry.
BP: Breeding difficulty depends entirely on the species. For some, spawning comes easily, while for others, breeding is very difficult.
R: There are more than 60 species of Hyphessobrycon. Hyphessobrycon can be distinguished from Hemigrammus by its scaleless caudal fin base and caudal flank.
DC: Most of the Hyphessobrycon are not difficult to care for, especially if kept in a tank with favorable water conditions.