Flag Tetra
Flag Tetras, also known as Hyphessobrycon heterorhabdus, are a beautiful and relatively easy-to-care-for species of freshwater fish native to the Amazon River Basin in South America. They are a popular choice among aquarists due to their vibrant colors and peaceful nature.
Flag Tetra Fish Species Summary:
| Scientific Name: | Hyphessobrycon heterorhabdus |
| Origin: | Freshwater sources of the Amazon River Basin, South America v |
| Diet: | Omnivore (accepts a wide variety of foods, including high-quality flake food, micro pellets, and frozen or live foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms) |
| Behavior: | Peaceful |
| Behavior Towards Their Own Species: | Schooling fish, prefers to be in a group of at least 6-10 individuals. |
| Swimming Zone: | Middle |
| Water Temperature: | 74-82°F (23-28°C) |
| Water Hardness: | 5-15 dGH |
| pH Level: | 6.0-7.5 |
| Minimum Aquarium Volume: | 75 Liters (for a small group) |
| Adult Size: | 4-5 cm |
| Reproduction: | Egg-scattering, do not care for their eggs or fry. |
| Lifespan: | Up to 5 years (with proper care) |
| Care: | Easy to Moderate, requires regular aquarium cleaning and a balanced diet. |
Tank Requirements
- Size: A 20-gallon tank is a suitable minimum size for a small group of Flag Tetras, although larger is always better. These fish prefer to be in a school of at least 6-10 individuals.
- Water Parameters: Maintain the water temperature between 74-82°F (23-28°C), pH between 6.0-7.5, and a water hardness between 5-15 dGH.
- Decoration: Provide plenty of plants, driftwood, and hiding spots as they prefer a densely planted aquarium that mimics their natural habitat. However, make sure there is also enough open space for swimming.
Tank Mates
Flag Tetras are a peaceful species and do well with other non-aggressive, similarly sized fish. Good tank mates include other species of tetras, rasboras, corydoras catfish, and small to medium-sized gouramis. Avoid keeping them with larger or aggressive fish such as cichlids or larger barbs as they may bully or prey upon the Flag Tetras.
Feeding
Flag Tetras are omnivores and will accept a wide variety of foods. Provide a balanced diet of high-quality flake food, micro pellets, and frozen or live foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms. Feeding them a varied diet will help maintain their health and bring out their colors.
Breeding
- Breeding Flag Tetras can be a bit challenging as they are egg-scattering fish and do not care for their eggs or fry.
- Set up a separate breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water (pH 6.0-6.5), and dense vegetation or a spawning mop for the eggs to adhere to.
- Condition the breeding pair with high-quality live or frozen foods for a few days before introducing them to the breeding tank.
- After spawning, it is recommended to remove the parents as they may eat the eggs or fry.
- The eggs will usually hatch within 24-36 hours, and the fry will be free-swimming after 3-5 days. Feed the fry with infusoria or commercially available fry food until they are large enough to accept regular foods.
Lifespan & Disease
- Lifespan: With proper care, Flag Tetras can live up to 5 years or more.
- Disease: Like all aquarium fish, Flag Tetras are susceptible to various diseases such as Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis), fin rot, and fungal infections. Maintain good water quality, provide a balanced diet, and quarantine new fish to prevent diseases.
Remember to always acclimate your fish to the new water parameters by using the drip method, and regularly monitor the water parameters to ensure they are within the recommended ranges.
