Montags Tetra (Hyphessbrycon montagi)
Montag's Tetras are a relatively new species of Tetra. They are a very peaceful and active species making them an ideal resident of the well-researched community aquarium.
Montag's Tetras are best kept in groups of at least eight individuals alongside other schooling fish to provide security as well as provide a more natural-looking display. Of course, on the odd occasion, you may find your fish arguing amongst themselves in a group. Still, as long as your aquarium is spacious and there are plenty of visual barriers or hiding places for them to retreat into if required, no actual harm should follow.
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, Dwarf Barbs and Loricariids.
These Tetras will look best in an arrangement comprising a sandy substrate and some driftwood roots and branches, although they will also thrive in a well-planted set-up.
Adding dried leaf litter would further accentuate the natural feel. It will also offer additional cover for the fish and bring the growth of microbe colonies as decomposition occurs.
Montag's Tetras have a brownish colour on the top half of their body and a greyish black lower body. These Tetras have two distinct humeral spots that are connected by a dark lateral body stripe. The first humeral spot is rather large and is surrounded by silver, and the second is slightly smaller and black. These fish also possess a narrow longitudinal straight red line starting from just above the first blotch on the lateral area, continuing down to the caudal peduncle. In addition, these fish have red colouration on the upper half of their eye, and all their fins are transparent except for the pelvic fin, which is a yellow colour.
Photos
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hyphessbrycon montagi |
| Other Names | Barbel Tetra |
| 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 | 5.0 - 7.0 |
| GH | 3 - 15 |
| TDS | 18 - 143 |
| Temperature | |
|---|---|
| 73 - 82℉ 22.8 - 27.8℃ | |
Feeding
In the home aquarium, the Montags 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 Montags Tetra could include:
Sexual Dimorphism
Montag's Tetras can be somewhat challenging to sex as there were no distinguishing differences between males and females. However, sexually mature females are probably noticeably rounder-bodied when carrying eggs.