Coffee Bean Tetra (Hyphessobrycon takasei)
The Coffee Bean Tetra is moderately rare in the aquarium hobby. These Tetras are a peaceful shoaling species, ideal for mature softwater aquariums. It is recommended to keep the Coffee Bean Tetras in groups of 6 or more individuals as this will not only make the fish feel more secure but will result in a far more natural-looking and effective shoal.
Coffee Bean Tetra tankmates should also be small and peaceful, as these fish are easily intimidated by bigger or more boisterous species. Ideal tankmates could include small Dwarf Cichlids, Corydoras catfish, some of the smaller Suckermouth Catfish and Pencilfish. Coffee Bean Tetras still have a pretty high price tag, but they are currently being bred in large numbers in Europe and becoming more readily available in the trade.
Under the appropriate light, the Coffee Bean Tetras body is quite pale, although it can vary from almost white to pale orange with a hint of blue iridescence. This Tetra gets its common name from a large black oval mark behind the gill plate shaped like a coffee bean. A yellow-coloured dark spot can also be seen on the dorsal fin. Its pelvic fins are yellow, its anal fin is orange, and its caudal fin is yellow. Finally, a dark vertical stripe marks their eyes.
Photos
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hyphessobrycon takasei |
| Year Described | 1964 |
| Other Names | None |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Characiformes |
| Family | Characidae |
| Genus | Hyphessobrycon |
| Origins | Brazil, Guyana |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Lifespan | 3 - 5 years |
| Water Parameters | |
|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| PH | 5.5 - 7.5 |
| GH | 10-25 |
| Temperature | |
|---|---|
| 75 - 82℉ 23.9 - 27.8℃ | |
Feeding
In the home aquarium, the Coffee Bean Tetra will readily accept most good quality dried foods such as granules, flakes and sinking pellets. These modern food products have been developed to provide all adequate nutrition to maintain your fish's health and dietary requirements.
Providing additional foodstuffs such as live, frozen, and freeze-dried meals such as bloodworm, daphnia, and tubifex once or twice a week will provide additional benefits to your fish's health and well-being but is not a must for this fish.
It should be noted that bloodworms should only be given as an occasional treat and should not be used as the staple diet as they are difficult for fish to digest and can potentially cause blockages.
This fish is an omnivore in the wild, meaning it will consume some vegetable matter. Although most modern fish foods take this into account and include them in their products, you can still supplement your fish's diet with blanched vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and zucchini. Ensure you do not overfeed your fish and remove any leftovers the following day.
Sexual Dimorphism
It is pretty straightforward to differentiate male from female Coffee Bean Tetras. The males are slightly smaller and more slender than the females, whereas the females are more robust and have more rounded bodies than the males.