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Maximum size : 5 cm
Raccoon Tetra - Hyphessobrycon procyon : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
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Introduction
The Raccoon Tetra is a relatively rare fish in the hobby and has only recently been described in 2016. However, this Tetra is a pretty elegant-looking fish and easy to keep as they have no particular demands regarding water parameters and food. Raccoon Tetras have a peaceful temperament and mix well with other mild fish. It would be best to keep these Tetras in groups of at least six individuals as they are a shoaling species in nature. The males will display their best colours and behaviour when kept in mixed-sex groups alongside plenty of females. Racoon Tetras should not be kept with large, aggressive fish that might intimidate them, so small Tetras, pencilfish, and dwarf cichlids like Apistogramma or Mikrogeophagus are ideal tankmates for these Tetras. Corydoras Catfish and Suckermouth Catfish make excellent tankmates as well. For Racoon Tetras, a shady aquarium with plenty of driftwood is ideal. Driftwood will gradually release tannins into the water, which will help acidify it and give it a brown, natural colour similar to its natural habitat. This can also be achieved by adding peat filtration. Plant densely, both floating and rooted, so that the fish feel secure. Furthermore, darker substrates and backgrounds will help display these fish's stunning colours if the lighting is not too bright. The Raccoon Tetra has a light rosy gold body and a dark blotch on the base of the caudal fin. In addition, there are two red humeral spots on either side of the dark blotch. These Tetras have elongated fins that are all yellow.Raccoon Tetra Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
It is relatively straightforward to differentiate between male and female Raccoon Tetras once they reach sexual maturity. Both sexes are pinkish-gold as adults, but the males have more orangey-red on their fins. Males will also be slightly larger than females and have a widely extended dorsal fin. Their pelvic and anal fins are also longer and more colourful than the females.Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Hyphessobrycon procyon |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 2016 |
| Other Names | None |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Characiformes |
| Family | Characidae |
| Genus | Hyphessobrycon |
| Origins | Brazil |
| Max Size | 5 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Lifespan | 3 - 5 years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| PH | 6.0 - 6.5 |
| GH | 5 - 15 |
| KH | |
| TDS |
| ℉ | 75 - 82 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 23.9 - 27.8 |
Natural habitat
Raccoon Tetras can only be found in the Rio Aripuanã, a tributary of the Rio Madeira in Brazil. These Tetras inhabit shallow, clear soft and somewhat acidic streams and rivers rich in tannins from leaf litter, and their substrate is made up of sand and small rocks, and aquatic vegetation is sparse.How to breed the Raccoon Tetra
Unfortunately, there is not much information or records on how to breed Raccoon Tetras; however, they are likely to spawn similarly to other Hyphessobrycon species. It would be more beneficial to condition a breeding pair before spawning with live foods such as mosquito larvae or brine shrimp. Choose the male that is the most colourful and the biggest healthiest female. The fish will require a separate breeding tank to produce the highest amount of fry. The tank must contain soft acidic water with a dark substrate and dim lighting, and the temperature should be increased by a few degrees to the regular tank. Make sure you have plenty of fine-leaved plants, such as java moss or a spawning mop as a medium, and floating plants to help keep the light subdued. Spawning commonly occurs in the morning. The female will scatter eggs onto the plants and substrate. Once spawning has occurred, it is advisable to remove the parents; otherwise, they will eat the eggs and fry if given a chance. The eggs will usually hatch around 24 to 36 hours later, and the fry will become free swimming three to four days after that. The fry is relatively easy to raise, and you should feed them on Infusoria-type foods until the fry is big enough to accept newly hatched brine shrimp.Diet & feeding
In the home aquarium, the Raccoon 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'sfish's health and dietary requirements. Additional foodstuffs such as live, frozen, and freeze-dried meals such as bloodworm, daphnia, and tubifex once or twice a week will provide other 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, consuming some vegetable matter. Although most modern fish foods consider this and include them in their products, you can still supplement your fish'sfish'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.Other Tetras you maybe interested in
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