Rosy Tetra (Hyphessobrycon rosaceus)
Rosy Tetras are peaceful and undemanding and will acclimate to various conditions, although very hard water may prevent the fish from reaching their full potential when it comes to colour.
Like many other Tetras, planted aquariums with darker substrates or subdued areas will provide the best home and result in more rich colours and improved health. Rosy Tetras may nip at long-finned fish, such as guppies and Siamese Fighting Fish, even though they are peaceful.
In order to keep Rosy Tetras healthy, you should always keep them in groups of six or more individuals. As well as faring better when surrounded by their own kind, you will also achieve a 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 Rosy Tetras would be other small and peaceful species such as Corydoras Catfish, Hatchetfish, smaller Loricariidae, Rasboras, small to medium-sized Barbs, Anabantoids 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, Rosy Tetras can be easily frightened, so make sure you do not house them with much larger boisterous species.
Rosy Tetras have light whiteish-pink bodies with red fins, except the dorsal fin, which can be white or black, and the caudal fin, which is pinkish-white with two oval red spots on it. These Tetras also present a faint black line that runs from the top of their eyeball through the pupil towards the bottom of their eyeball.
Photos
Quick Facts | |
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Scientific Name | Hyphessobrycon rosaceus |
Year Described | 1909 |
Other Names | Candy Cane Tetra |
Classification | Actinopterygii |
Order | Characiformes |
Family | Characidae |
Genus | Hyphessobrycon |
Origins | Brazil, Guyana, Suriname |
Temperament | Peaceful |
Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
Shoaling | Yes |
Best kept as | Groups 8+ |
Diet | Omnivore |
Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
Lifespan | 3 - 5 years |
Water Parameters | |
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Water Type | Freshwater |
PH | 5.5 - 7.5 |
GH | 1 - 12 |
Temperature | |
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75 - 82℉ 23.9 - 27.8℃ |
Feeding
In the home aquarium, the Rosy 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
It is super easy to differentiate between male and female Rosy Tetras. Males will develop extended anal and dorsal fins as they grow and are usually larger, slimmer and more colourful than females.