Nego Dagua Tetra - Hyphessobrycon negodagua Fish Profile & Care Guide
Introduction
The Nego Dagua Tetra (Hyphessobrycon negodagua), also sometimes called the Bahia Black Diamond Tetra, is a relatively new addition to the fishkeeping and aquarium hobby.
We've been keeping these lookers in our fish room for around a year now and have very much enjoyed having the chance to keep these little dark rarities!
In our experience, we have found these Tetras to be one of the more tightly shoaling Tetra species found in the hobby. They are consistently only a few centimetres away from each other at any given time. In a larger aquarium, such as the 400-litre aquarium we have housed them, we found they tend to stake out a section of the aquarium and stick to it.
As with most types of Tetra, the Nego Dagua Tetra are wonderfully peaceful. While the males might occasionally engage in a minor spat here and there, this doesn't involve much more than a bit of fin flaring and showing off.
Because these fish enjoy their own kind, we recommend keeping them in a group of at least 6, though if you have the space for more, the more the merrier!
Our ideal aquarium setup for these Tetras mimics their natural habitat. We start with a gravel or sand substrate and add many live plants or realistic artificial ones. We also include some driftwood, rocks, and branches to create cosy hiding spots and natural boundaries.
The Nego Dagua Tetra sports a dark greyish body and a striking black patch on the rear, complemented by bright white markings on the dorsal and anal fins. Their pectoral and caudal fins blend with the body colour with some more white edging around the base of the tail.
Availability
The Nego Dagua Tetra isn't avilable any of our marketplace shops, want to be the first to offer it?.
Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Sexual dimorphism is quite pronounced once the Nego Dagua Tetras are mature. Males exhibit a deeper, darker colouration with additional pronounced white edging on the dorsal and anal fins. Males are also more streamlined than their heavier-bodied female counterparts.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Hyphessobrycon negodagua |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 2013 |
| Other Names | Tetra Nego Dagua, Bahia Black Diamond Tetra |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Characiformes |
| Family | Characidae |
| Genus | Hyphessobrycon |
| Origins | Brazil |
| Approx Max Size | 3 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom - Middle |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 8+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 5.5 - 7.0 |
| GH | 1 - 12 |
| TDS | 18 - 179 |
| ℉ | 75 - 82 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 23 - 27 |
Natural Habitat
The Nego Dagua Tetra is native to Brazil’s northeastern region. It was originally described from specimens collected in the Rio Pratinha, a tributary of the Rio Paraguaçu in Bahia. In its natural habitat, this species is typically found in freshwater streams characterized by soft, slightly acidic water, sandy substrates, and abundant organic debris such as fallen twigs and leaves.
Breeding
Regrettably, there is a scarcity of available information regarding the specific breeding techniques for Nego Dagua Tetras. Nevertheless, inferring that their breeding behaviours may align with those observed in other Hyphessobrycon species is plausible. Therefore, a dedicated breeding tank must be prepared to successfully breed Nego Dagua Tetras and maximize the yield of fry.
Creating an optimal breeding environment entails providing a dimly lit setting adorned with bundles of fine-leaved plants such as java moss, offering an ideal substrate for the deposition of eggs. Alternatively, spawning mops can serve as suitable alternatives. To prevent adults from accessing the eggs while facilitating the unhindered passage of the eggs through the substrate, covering the tank bottom with mesh with appropriately sized holes is recommended.
Maintaining water conditions conducive to successful breeding is paramount. The water in the breeding tank should exhibit a soft and acidic profile, with a pH level ranging between 5.5 and 6.5. The hardness of the water should ideally fall within the range of 1 to 5, while the temperature must be slightly elevated compared to standard conditions. Employing a peat filtration system and utilizing reverse osmosis (RO) water can further support the desired water parameters. In addition, incorporating a small air-powered sponge filter will provide gentle water movement within the tank.
When initiating the breeding process, assembling a group of Nego Dagua Tetras, comprising around six individuals of each sex, is recommended. Ensuring the group's optimal conditioning through ample live, frozen, or freeze-dried foods will facilitate successful spawning. Alternatively, a pair-wise breeding approach can be pursued by conditioning female and male groups separately in dedicated tanks. Once the females exhibit noticeable fullness of eggs and the males display their most vibrant colours, selecting the most robust female and the visually striking male and transferring them to the spawning tank in the evening will set the stage for spawning to occur the following morning. Regardless of the chosen approach, prompt separation of the eggs is imperative to prevent adult consumption.
The eggs will typically hatch within a window of 24 to 36 hours, contingent upon water temperature, while the fry will commence free-swimming approximately five days thereafter. To nourish the newly hatched fry, providing them with an infusoria-based diet for the initial days is advisable, gradually transitioning to baby brine shrimp, microworms, and finely crushed flake food as they grow. It is important to note that during the early stages of development, both the eggs and fry are sensitive to light. Therefore, maintaining a darkened environment within the tank, to the extent possible, will foster optimal conditions for their well-being.
Although specific insights into breeding Nego Dagua Tetras may be limited, employing these guidelines and adjusting strategies based on careful observation and adaptation can contribute to successful breeding endeavours.
Diet & Feeding
Nego Dagua Tetras exhibit a versatile feeding behaviour, making them relatively undemanding when it comes to food selection. However, to ensure optimal colouration and overall health of your fish, offering a diverse and nutritious diet is recommended. This should include high-quality dried foods such as flakes and granules, as well as live, frozen, or freeze-dried options like brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae, and bloodworms. Providing this varied diet will help meet their nutritional needs and promote their well-being.
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Other Tetras
Published: 10 Nov 2021
Last Updated: 04 Feb 2025