Exclamation Mark Tetra (Bryconella pallidifrons)
Exclamation Mark Tetras are very small, peaceful and fragile shoaling fish that are relatively rare and not commonly seen in the hobby.
These Tetras are perfect for the nano or well-planted aquarium. However, due to their size and delicate nature, it would be best to keep them with their own kind. However, these Tetras may do okay if you have a large community aquarium with only small peaceful species. Males can sometimes be quarrelsome with their own kind, but it is nothing to worry about as no actual harm will follow.
Exclamation Mark Tetras are a true blackwater fish; therefore, filtering through peat can be very helpful. In addition to improving the chemical parameters, peat's bactericidal effect also reduces the aquarium's bacterial load. Adding dried leaves to the bottom of the aquarium, such as Indian almond or oak, can achieve the blackwater look in your home aquarium, as can driftwood and alder cones. As a result, the water will gradually darken and mimic the water in its natural habitat.
Currently, there is little to no information about the Exclamation Mark Tetra; however, they have a silvery transparent body with a black and gold longitudinal line that ends at the caudal fin. The end of the longitudinal line gets slightly wider as it comes to a holt giving the appearance of a small patch that ends up forming what looks like an exclamation mark hence the name.
Photos
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bryconella pallidifrons |
| Other Names | Bryconella Tetra, Thread Tetra |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Characiformes |
| Family | Characidae |
| Genus | Bryconella |
| Origins | Brazil, Colombia |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 8+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Lifespan | 3 - 5 years |
| Water Parameters | |
|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| PH | 6.0 - 7.5 |
| GH | 5 - 10 |
| KH | 2 - 4 |
| Temperature | |
|---|---|
| 78 - 82℉ 25.6 - 27.8℃ | |
Feeding
In the home aquarium, the Exclamation Mark 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 Exclamation Mark Tetra could include:
Sexual Dimorphism
It can be somewhat challenging to differentiate between the male and female Exclamation Mark Tetra. However, the males are slightly smaller than females and somewhat slimmer, whereas females have more rounded abdomens and are more significant than males.