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Red Devil Tetra - Hyphessobrycon piranga : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
Red Devil Tetras (Hyphessobrycon piranga) are a captivating and rare addition to the aquarium hobby, having only been discovered in 2018. These sociable and active little fish are a peaceful and colourful schooling species, making them an excellent addition to any community aquarium. In their natural habitat, Red Devil Tetras are found schooling in groups, so it's essential to keep them in groups of at least eight individuals in the aquarium to help them feel secure and exhibit their natural behaviours. A larger group size will enhance the natural beauty of your aquarium display and showcase their fascinating behaviours.
When choosing tankmates for your Red Devil Tetras, peaceful species such as other Tetras, smaller Barbs, Rasboras, smaller Danios, and Corydoras Catfish are all excellent options. Shrimps can also coexist with these Tetras, but it's important to note that shrimplets may get eaten.
Red Devil Tetras are easy to care for and have no specific water parameter requirements. However, they appreciate a slight current in the aquarium to mimic their natural environment. A substrate of sand, gravel, pebbles, and plenty of plants, including leaves, are essential elements in their aquarium setup. These Tetras have a creamy-yellowish body with a distinctive dark brown vertical stripe running through their flank from nose to tail root. The males have red fins and a subtle red hue on their bodies, while the females' fins and bodies are more yellow.
Overall, Red Devil Tetras are a fascinating and visually striking species that will make an excellent addition to any community aquarium.
Red Devil Tetra Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Sexual dimorphism in Red Devil Tetras is apparent, and it is relatively straightforward to distinguish between males and females. Typically, the males are smaller and exhibit a prominent red hue in both their fins and bodies, while the females are larger, exhibiting yellow colouration in their fins and bodies.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Hyphessobrycon piranga |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 2018 |
| Other Names | None |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Characiformes |
| Family | Characidae |
| Genus | Hyphessobrycon |
| Origins | Brazil |
| Max Size | 3.5 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 8+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| PH | 5.5 - 7.5 |
| GH | 5 - 15 |
| KH | 2 - 7 |
| ℉ | 75 - 82 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 23 - 27 |
Natural Habitat
Red Devil Tetras are a captivating species that are exclusively found in the Rio Verde and Rio Juruena river systems, which are part of Brazil's magnificent upper Rio Tapajós basin in South America. In their natural habitat, these beautiful fish can be found dwelling in clear, fast-moving rivers and streams, surrounded by lush riparian vegetation that includes a mix of trees, shrubs, and herbs. The substrate beneath them typically comprises pebbles, sand, and various types of organic debris. These unique environments are home to a wide range of aquatic creatures, and the Red Devil Tetras play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of this beautiful part of the world.
Breeding
Red Devil Tetras are a unique species that belong to the egg-scattering free spawner category. These small, sociable, and active fish are relatively rare in the aquarium hobby, having been discovered only in 2018. To produce a high yield of fry, a separate breeding tank is necessary, where you can condition the fish by providing live and frozen food to encourage spawning. Soft acidic water with a dark substrate and dim lighting is essential in the breeding tank. Plenty of fine-leaved plants and floating plants can be used to keep the light subdued, and gentle filtration can be provided through an air-powered sponge filter.
Spawning occurs in the morning, when the female scatters sticky eggs onto the plants and substrate, and the males fertilize them. After spawning, the adults should be removed from the breeding tank to avoid consumption of the eggs and fry. The eggs will usually hatch between 22 and 26 hours later, and then the fry will become free-swimming three to four days after that.
Initially, they will feed on their yolk sacs, and you will need to provide them with microscopic foods like infusoria and Paramecium, eventually moving on to microworm or baby brine shrimp as they develop. It is best to keep the young fish isolated until they are large enough not to be eaten by the adults before returning them to the regular aquarium.
Diet & feeding
Red Devil Tetras are known to have an adaptable diet, although it is important to ensure that they receive a varied and nutritious diet. A combination of high-quality flakes and granules, along with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia, can provide them with the essential nutrients they need. In addition, the occasional addition of spirulina and blanched vegetables can help maintain their overall health and vitality.
