Gymnocorymbus Bondi

Datasheet

General Description

The Silver Tetra (Gymnocorymbus Bondi) is a peaceful and hardy species, often overlooked due to its mature bland appearance. Juveniles exhibit reddish unpaired fins that fade as they grow. This South American fish is suited for beginner aquarists.

Aquarium Setup

The Silver Tetra thrives in a well-planted aquarium with a dark substrate and floating plants, providing a sense of security. Water conditions should maintain a temperature of 22-27°C, pH level between 5.5-7.5, and hardness of 5-20°dH (see table). A minimum tank size of 70 liters is recommended for proper housing.

Behaviour

Silver Tetras are gregarious and shoaling by nature, benefiting from companionship with at least 6-8 conspecifics to prevent shyness. They are non-aggressive but noted as fin nippers, making them compatible with peaceful South American species like tetras and Corydoras groups. Avoid pairing them with long-finned species.

Feeding and Diet

Omnivorous by nature, Silver Tetras readily accept various prepared, live, and frozen foods. Ensuring a balanced diet is crucial, with a focus on incorporating vegetable matter like Spirulina flakes or blanched spinach to prevent nibbling on soft-leaved plants.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Breeding Silver Tetras is relatively straightforward, requiring a separate dimly-lit tank with fine-leaved plants for egg deposition. Spawning can occur in groups or pairs under specific conditions. Male Silver Tetras are slightly smaller and slimmer than females when mature.

Habitat and Distribution

In the wild, Silver Tetras inhabit small tributaries, streams, and creeks within the Rio Orinoco basin in Colombia and Venezuela. Their natural habitat influences their preferences for well-planted setups in captivity.