More info
Datasheet
| Minimum Tank Size | 60 litres / 15.85 US gallons |
| Maximum Size | 3.5cm / 1.38inches |
| Temperature | 22°C / 71.60°F - 27°C / 80.60°F |
| Hardness | 1.01dgH / 18ppm - 15.02dgH / 268ppm |
| pH | 5.5-7.5 |
General Description
The Dawn Tetra, scientifically known as Aphyocharax Nattereri, is commonly referred to as A. paraguayensis. It is a small fish that reaches a maximum size of 3.5cm. This tetra is not widely popular in the ornamental trade and is often imported incidentally among shipments of other species from Southern Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay.
Aquarium Setup
The Dawn Tetra thrives in a planted aquarium with areas of dense vegetation and open spaces for swimming. It is recommended to include twisted roots, bogwood, and floating vegetation in the tank. The species prefers a very tightly-fitted tank cover due to occasional jumping tendencies. A minimum tank size of 60 litres is advised, with water conditions falling within a temperature range of 22-27°C, pH of 5.5-7.5, and hardness of 18-268ppm (see table).
Behaviour
Known for its generally peaceful demeanor, the Dawn Tetra may exhibit nipping behavior towards long-finned or slow-moving tankmates. When kept in a mixed shoal with other characins, along with Corydoras catfish and small Loricariids, it displays its natural shoaling tendencies. This species is a suitable companion for Apistogramma spp. and other South American dwarf cichlids. It is recommended to keep the Dawn Tetra in a group of at least six individuals to support their shoaling nature.
Feeding and Diet
The Dawn Tetra has an unfussy diet and readily accepts various dried, frozen, and live foods. It is essential to provide a high-quality diet consisting of frozen and live foods for conditioning before breeding.
Reproduction & Dimorphism
To spawn the Dawn Tetra, set up a separate tank with fine-leaved plants like Java moss as a spawning medium, soft acidic water, and a small air-powered sponge filter for aeration. When conditioned, select the best-colored male and fullest female for spawning. The non-adhesive eggs are usually scattered among plants and hatch within 24 hours. After hatching, fry should be fed infusoria-type food initially, transitioning to microworms and brine shrimp nauplii.
Habitat and Distribution
In the wild, the Dawn Tetra inhabits streams, rivers, and tributaries that are shaded by floating or overhanging vegetative covers. Its distribution spans across Southern Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay.