Exquisite Tetra

Exquisite Tetra or Ornathus vulgaris, scientific name Hyphessobrycon bentosi, belongs to the Characidae family. A classic representative of a large group of tetras, similar in shape and body pattern. A close relative of such species as the Red-spotted Theta and the Pink Tetra.

Habitat

The fish is widespread in the tributaries of the Amazon River (South America), inhabiting small rivers and streams with a slow current and dense vegetation, flowing through tropical jungle in the shade of trees. In the wild, they feed mainly on small invertebrates.

Description

Laterally flattened body with a high dorsal and anal fin, the tail has a clear bifurcation. The color of the body is predominantly pink, sometimes it acquires a rich shade, it depends on the region of origin and the conditions of detention. The tail is reddish, the fins have black markings and white tips, it is the last feature that distinguishes this species from the Pink Tetra, but otherwise they are almost identical, therefore sometimes this fish is called the False Pink Tetra.

Food

She enjoys using dry industrial feeds, but they must be of high quality with a rich set of vitamins and minerals. It is advisable to purchase feed intended for Tetra. The lack of trace elements is manifested in biting off the leaves of plants. You can diversify the diet with small crustaceans (daphnia), if the fish is not large and a bloodworm for adults.

Maintenance and care

Ornathus vulgaris does not welcome strong water movement, so the filter outlet should be pointed at the glass to break the flow of water. As with most Tetras, it is desirable to use peat-based elements as a filter material to acidify the water. The lighting system should be set to dim light – an imitation of a forest canopy. Other necessary equipment: heater, aerator.

Floating plants are welcome in the design, they will create an additional shadow. Other plants are arranged in groups along the side and back walls of the tank. River sand substrate, you can add a few dry leaves, this will tint the water in a light brown color that mimics the natural habitat. Leaves are replaced every two weeks.

Social behavior

In nature, Exquisite Tetra lives in groups of more than 50 individuals, in an aquarium the minimum number should not be less than six. It gets along well with related species and other tetras of similar size. Noisy and active neighbors will cause discomfort.

Sexual differences

Males have longer fins, while females are noticeably larger and have a rounded abdomen.

Breeding / breeding

Successful breeding is possible in a separate tank. A spawning aquarium with a volume of 40 liters is quite sufficient, the water parameters should be the same as the main aquarium. The set of equipment includes: filter, aerator, heater, lighting system. Plants with thin leaves and sandy soil are required in the design.

The couple is isolated in a separate tank. Sublimated meat products are added to the daily diet or live bloodworms are served. After some time, the female will fill with eggs, after a short courtship, she lays eggs on the leaves of plants, and the male fertilizes them. Parents are returned to the common aquarium.

The fry appear after about five days, at which point the water is renewed by half with the same parameters. Feed with microfeed, brine shrimp.

Diseases

As long as the water and conditions are in proper condition, there will be no health problems. There are no diseases characteristic of this type, more about the symptoms and methods of treatment in the section “Diseases of aquarium fish”.