Red Fin Flag Tetra - Hyphessobrycon chiribiquete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Introduction
Red Fin Flag Tetras (Hyphessobrycon chiribiquete) are a very rare species of Tetra that represents a captivating species within the freshwater aquarium community, notable for their vivid colouration and dynamic presence in a well-structured aquatic environment. Originating from the diverse and biologically rich ecosystems of South America, this species adds both aesthetic appeal and natural behaviour to the home aquarium.
As a schooling species, Red Fin Flag Tetras exhibit a more natural and cohesive behaviour when kept in groups, ideally comprising 6 or more individuals. This social structure reduces stress, promotes healthy activity, and enhances the overall visual appeal of the aquarium setup. They are generally peaceful and can coexist with other similarly sized and temperament fish, making them an excellent choice for community tanks. Optimal companions for Red Fin Flag Tetras encompass a variety of Tetras, Rainbowfish, Livebearers, Dwarf Cichlids, Corydoras Catfish, and Plecostomus. These selections are based on compatibility regarding temperament, size, and environmental requirements, ensuring a harmonious aquatic community.
To best replicate their natural environment, an aquarium housing Red Fin Flag Tetras should include densely planted areas, driftwood, and a substrate of fine sand or small gravel, mimicking the forest floor. Water quality is paramount, necessitating regular maintenance, including partial water changes and filtration, to keep parameters stable. Lighting should be moderate to dim to echo the shaded conditions of their native habitats while also allowing for the full spectrum of their colours to be appreciated.
The Red Fin Flag Tetras boast a body colouration that transitions from greenish-yellow to copper, accented laterally by a moderate to high presence of green iridescent erythrophores and melanophores. The area before the dorsal fin exhibits shades from olive to copper, while the area before the ventral side varies from greenish-yellow to a light plumbeous tone.
The eye's upper margin is distinctly red, contrasting with a greenish-black to white lower margin. The head's dorsal surface mirrors the body's greenish-yellow to copper tone, while the ventral side shifts to greenish-yellow to silvery, enriched with a significant accumulation of melanophores on the infraorbital, preopercle, and opercle. The opercle itself is highlighted by iridescent green to copper colouring.
A prominent black lateral stripe extends from the posterior margin of the opercle, coursing along the sides through the middle caudal-fin rays. This stripe becomes somewhat diffused above the anal-fin base, owing to the superposition of a silver iridescent green to copper stripe over the black, stretching from the humeral blotch to the upper caudal-fin lobe.
The caudal-fin lobes are adorned with red iridophores at the ray bases. Similarly, the bases of the anal-fin rays are graced with red iridophores, which also project onto the body's posterior sides; the bases of the pectoral and pelvic fins are rendered greenish-yellow. The adipose fin ranges from light greenish-yellow to reddish, while the posterior margins of the dorsal, pelvic, and anal fins are finished in a delicate whitish hue.
Availability
The Red Fin Flag Tetra isn't avilable any of our marketplace shops, want to be the first to offer it?.
Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Sexual dimorphism in Red Fin Flag Tetras is characterized by differences in size and the depth of the body at the origin of the dorsal fin, where females typically exhibit larger dimensions compared to males. Additionally, the presence of hooks on the dorsal, pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins distinguishes males originating from the Río Caquetá basin. Similarly, males from the population in the Río Ucayali basin in Peru exhibit hooks on the pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins, further delineating sexual characteristics within this species.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Hyphessobrycon chiribiquete |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 2020 |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Characiformes |
| Family | Characidae |
| Genus | Hyphessobrycon |
| Origins | Peru Colombia |
| Approx Max Size | 6 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 5.0 - 8.0 |
| GH | 5 - 15 |
| TDS | 18 - 179 |
| ℉ | 72 - 82 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 22 - 28 |
Natural Habitat
Limited data exists on the specific natural habitats of the Red Fin Flag Tetra, yet it is confirmed that this species is endemic to select areas. These areas encompass the Río Caquetá drainage, a diminutive stream tributary of the Río Tunia in the Apaporis-Japurá region of the Amazon River Basin in Colombia, and the Río Ucayali drainage in Peru, South America.
Breeding
Regrettably, due to the recent scientific description of the Red Fin Flag Tetra, detailed knowledge regarding their breeding habits remains undocumented. Nonetheless, it is plausible to surmise that their reproductive behaviours align closely with those observed in other species within the Hyphessobrycon genus.
Diet & Feeding
Red Fin Flag Tetras exhibit omnivorous feeding habits characteristic of its genus. In the wild, their diet encompasses a wide array of nutritional sources, including small invertebrates, algae, and detritus, reflecting their adaptable and opportunistic nature. When translating these dietary preferences to an aquarium setting, it is crucial to provide a balanced and varied diet to maintain optimal health and vitality. This includes high-quality flake foods, granules, and frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Incorporating vegetable matter or algae-based foods can also mimic their natural intake, ensuring a comprehensive nutritional profile.
Other Tetras
Published: 05 Feb 2024
Last Updated: 05 Feb 2024