Jewel tetra (Hyphessobrycon eques)

Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon eques Steindachner, 1882

Jewel tetra (Hyphessobrycon eques)

The Jewel tetra (Hyphessobrycon eques) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows to about 5 cm (2 in). It is easy to keep and semi-aggressive, suits community aquariums and needs a tank of at least 55 L (15 US gal), water at 24–28°C (75–82°F) and a pH of 5.5–7.5. Native range: South America, Amazon, Guapor? and Paraguay River basins.

Jewel tetra care at a glance

Care level
Easy
Temperament
Semi-aggressive
Community tank
Excellent
Adult size
5 cm (2 in)
Minimum tank
55 L (15 US gal)
Temperature
24–28°C (75–82°F)
pH
5.5–7.5
Hardness
3–12 dGH (54–214 ppm)
Diet
Omnivore. Accepts flakes, freeze-dried foods, frozen foods and live foods.

Biology

A gregarious species which positions itself near the surface between the stems of emerging plants. It is frequently found in stagnant waters. They are generally peaceful, but when there are too many of them during feeding, they bite each other's fins. Feeds on worms, crustaceans, insects and plants. Oviparous. This species is part of a complex of `blood' tetras, hybrids of which are commonly offered in the aquarium trade. Aquarium keeping: aggressive; in groups of 5 or more individuals; minimum aquarium size 60 cm.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Hyphessobrycon eques
Family
Characidae (Characins)
Order
Characiformes (Characins)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
4.0
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 5.0 - 7.8; dH range: 10 - 25 benthopelagic
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
South America: Amazon, Guapor? and Paraguay River basins.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Aquarium: highly commercial
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

More tetras & characins

See all tetras & characins

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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