Red Line Tetra (Hyphessobrycon amapaensis)
The Red Line Tetra is a stunning, active and peaceful shoaling fish ideal for an established well-planted softwater aquarium. You should always maintain these Tetras in groups of 6 or more, not only to increase the fish's feeling of security but also to make the group look more natural.
It would be best if you maintained Red Line Tetras in groups of 8 or more individuals. Not only will they fare much better when in the company of their own kind, but it will also result in a far more effective, natural-looking shoal and make your fish feel more secure. In addition, you may also see some fascinating displays of fin flaring by rival males if several are present.
Ideal tankmates for your Red Line Tetras would be other small and peaceful species such as Corydoras Catfish, Hatchetfish, Loaches, Rasboras, small to medium-sized Barbs, Gouramis and West African Dwarf Cichlids. In addition, because of their shape, you can also keep these Tetras with larger Cichlids such as Discus and Angelfish. Unfortunately, these Tetras can be easily frightened, so make sure you do not house them with much larger boisterous species.
Red Line Tetras have a pale, silvery iridescent body with a thick red line running from the gill plate to the caudal peduncle. There is a thinner white band underlining this red line, followed by a black band. Half of the eye is also red, and the fins are generally colourless, with a hint of yellow.
Photos
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hyphessobrycon amapaensis |
| Year Described | 1998 |
| Other Names | Amapa Tetra, Scarlet Tetra, Neon Black Red Stripe 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 6+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Lifespan | 3 - 5 years |
| Water Parameters | |
|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| PH | 5.0 - 7.0 |
| GH | 5 - 15 |
| KH | 2 - 8 |
| TDS | 18 -143 |
| Temperature | |
|---|---|
| 74 - 82℉ 23.3 - 27.8℃ | |
Feeding
In the home aquarium, the Red Line 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.
Sexual Dimorphism
There aren't many differences between the male and female Red Line Tetra However, sexually mature females are typically larger and noticeably deeper-bodied than males.