Frankei Tetra (Hyphessobrycon frankei)
Known for their peaceful and active nature, Frankei Tetras are great residents of soft-water community aquariums. These Tetras, however, are not as hardy as most others and can be sensitive to fluctuating water; therefore, they are probably not suitable for beginners.
It is best to keep Frankei Tetras in groups of at least eight together with other schooling fish to provide security. You will also be rewarded with a more natural-looking tank. It's not unheard of for your fish to quarrel among themselves occasionally in a group. Nevertheless, no real harm should occur as long as you provide plenty of visual barriers and hiding places for them to retreat into if necessary.
Tankmates should be of similar size and peaceful temperament; these can include other small Tetras, Hatchetfish, Pencilfish, non-predatory, small to medium-sized Cichlids, Corydoras Catfish, and small Loaches. However, remember that these Tetras prefer much softer water, so tankmates must also thrive in these conditions. It is best to keep them away from slow-moving long-finned fish or fish that are large enough to eat them.
Iridescent silver bodies and white bands running the length of the body make Frankei Tetras easily distinguishable. At the base of the caudal fin, this Tetra sports a triangular black spot surrounded by whitish streaks, along with red adipose and rayed fins.
Photos
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hyphessobrycon frankei |
| Year Described | 1997 |
| Other Names | Ucayali Tetra |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Characiformes |
| Family | Characidae |
| Genus | Hyphessobrycon |
| Origins | Peru |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Lifespan | 3 - 5 years |
| Water Parameters | |
|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| PH | 3.5 - 5.0 |
| GH | 1 - 5 |
| Temperature | |
|---|---|
| 73 - 81℉ ℃ | |
Feeding
In the home aquarium, the Frankei 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
There can be some difficulty in sexing Frankei Tetras. Sexually mature females, however, tend to have rounder bodies and grow slightly larger than males.