Rosy Tetra - Hyphessobrycon rosaceus : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
Rosy Tetras (Hyphessobrycon rosaceus) are peaceful and undemanding fish that adapt to various conditions, making them a popular choice for many aquarium enthusiasts. However, hard water may prevent the fish from reaching their full potential regarding colouration. A planted aquarium with darker substrates or subdued areas is ideal for providing the best home for your Rosy Tetras. These conditions promote more vibrant colours and improved health. However, while Rosy Tetras are peaceful, they may nip at long-finned fish, such as guppies and Siamese Fighting Fish. Maintaining the health of your Rosy Tetras requires keeping them in groups of at least six individuals. Not only do they fare better when surrounded by their own kind, but you will also achieve a natural-looking shoal, making your fish feel more secure. Additionally, the presence of several male Rosy Tetras may result in fascinating displays of fin flaring. Ideal tankmates for Rosy Tetras include other small and peaceful species, such as Corydoras Catfish, Hatchetfish, smaller Loricariidae, Rasboras, small to medium-sized Barbs, Anabantoids, and West African Dwarf Cichlids. Their shape also allows them to be kept with larger Cichlids, such as Discus and Angelfish. However, avoiding housing them with much more significant, boisterous species that may frighten them is crucial. Rosy Tetras have light whiteish-pink bodies with red fins, except for the dorsal fin, which can be white or black, and the caudal fin, which is pinkish-white with two oval red spots. Additionally, they present a faint black line that runs from the top of their eyeball through the pupil towards the bottom of their eyeball, making them a visually stunning addition to any aquarium.
Rosy Tetra Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Discerning between male and female Rosy Tetras is a straightforward task. Male Rosy Tetras exhibit extended anal and dorsal fins as they mature, coupled with a larger, slimmer, and more vibrant physical appearance than their female counterparts.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Hyphessobrycon rosaceus |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1909 |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Characiformes |
| Family | Characidae |
| Genus | Hyphessobrycon |
| Origins | Suriname , Guyana , Brazil |
| Max Size | 5 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 8+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 5.5 - 7.5 |
| GH | 1 - 12 |
| ℉ | 75 - 82 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 23 - 27 |
Natural Habitat
Rosy Tetras are captivating fish that are endemic to South America, specifically Guyana, Suriname, and Brazil. You can find them residing in several River Basins, including the Rio Essequibo, Rio Corantijn, and the Rio Suriname. In their native habitat, Rosy Tetras primarily inhabit heavily vegetated forested areas. These habitats usually consist of sluggish tributaries off the central river channels that provide an ideal setting for these fish to seek refuge close to the safety of plant cover and submerged roots. The water in these biotopes is often stained with a yellowish-brown colour from tannins and other chemicals discharged from decaying organic material, resulting in very acidic water. The unique environmental conditions of their natural habitat make Rosy Tetras an exciting addition to any aquarium.
Breeding
To achieve successful breeding and increase fry yield of Rosy Tetras, a separate breeding tank is necessary. The breeding tank should ideally be dimly lit and contain bundles of fine-leaved plants, such as java moss or spawning mops, to provide a substrate for the fish to deposit their eggs. Alternatively, covering the bottom of the tank with mesh with adequately sized holes for the eggs to pass through but not allowing the adults to reach them can also be used. To create an optimal environment for spawning, the water should be soft and acidic, with a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5, a water hardness between 1 and 5, and a temperature of 80 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit. Filtering the water through peat and using RO water can also be helpful, while a small air-powered sponge filter can provide a gentle current. Half a dozen individuals of each sex in a group are ideal for spawning. Ensure the group is conditioned with plenty of small live or frozen foods, and spawning should occur without complications. Alternatively, breeding can be done in pairs by preparing the females and males separately in different tanks. After selecting the most fecund female and the best-coloured male, transfer them to the spawning tank at night for spawning the following morning. Since adult Rosy Tetras tend to devour their eggs, immediate separation of the eggs is necessary. The eggs will hatch between 24 to 36 hours, and the fry will become free-swimming around five days later. Feeding the fry on infusoria-type food for a few days until they are ready to take brine shrimp nauplii or microworm is recommended. The eggs and fry are sensitive to light in the early stages of life, and maintaining a dark environment in the tank is ideal.
Diet & feeding
Feeding Rosy Tetras in the aquarium is an effortless task since they are not overly finicky eaters. However, providing them with a nutritionally balanced diet is optimal for their overall health and well-being. Their diet should comprise of high-quality dried foods, including flakes, micropellets, and granules, alongside live and frozen foods, such as bloodworms, white mosquito larvae, daphnia, and vitamin-enriched brine shrimp. Incorporating various food sources will ensure that your Rosy Tetras receive the essential nutrients they require for optimal growth and vitality.
