Eilyos Tetra (Hyphessobrycon eilyos)
Eilyos Tetras are peaceful and undemanding and will acclimate to various conditions, although very hard water may prevent the fish from reaching their full potential when it comes to colour.
Like many other Tetras, planted aquariums with darker substrates or subdued areas will provide the best home and result in more vibrant colours and improved health. However, even though they are peaceful, these Tetras may nip the fins of long-finned species such as guppies or Siamese Fighting Fish, especially if the Tetras are kept in smaller numbers.
It would be best if you maintained Eilyos Tetras in a group of 8 or more individuals. Not only will they fare much better when in the company of their own kind, but it will also result in a far more effective, natural-looking shoal and make your fish feel more secure. In addition, you may also see some fascinating displays of fin flaring by rival males if several are present.
Ideal tankmates for your Eilyos Tetras would be other small and peaceful species such as Corydoras Catfish, Hatchetfish, Loaches, Rasboras, small to medium-sized Barbs, Gouramis and West African Dwarf Cichlids. In addition, because of their shape, you can also keep these Tetras with larger Cichlids such as Discus and Angelfish. Unfortunately, Eilyos Tetras can be easily frightened, so make sure you do not house them with much larger boisterous species.
You can distinguish Eilyos Tetras from other Tetra species as they lack the humeral and caudal spots as well as the presence of numerous dark chromatophores on the lateral surface of the body. In addition, the pelvic, caudal, adipose and caudal fins are all red, and these fish possess 7 to 11 maxillary teeth.
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| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hyphessobrycon eilyos |
| Other Names | None |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Characiformes |
| Family | Characidae |
| Genus | Hyphessobrycon |
| Origins | Brazil |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 8+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Lifespan | 3 - 5 years |
| Water Parameters | |
|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| PH | 5.5 - 7.5 |
| GH | 1 - 12 |
| Temperature | |
|---|---|
| 75 - 82℉ 23.9 - 27.8℃ | |
Natural Habitat
Feeding
In the home aquarium, the Eilyos 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.
Tank Mates
1 interesting tank mate ideas for the Eilyos Tetra could include:
Sexual Dimorphism
It is relatively simple to differentiate between male and female Eilyos Tetras. Males will usually develop extended anal and dorsal fins as they grow and are generally larger, slimmer and more colourful than females.