Hyphessobrycon Heterorhabdus

Datasheet

General Description

The Flag Tetra, scientifically known as Hyphessobrycon heterorhabdus, is a small fish species belonging to the Characidae family. It is also commonly referred to as the "Belgian flag tetra" in the aquarium trade. This species is distinguished by its unique color pattern, featuring a dark lateral body stripe that extends continuously from the humeral spot to the caudal peduncle, with no yellow or orange markings in the fins.

Aquarium Setup

To maintain Flag Tetras in captivity, it is advisable to house them in a well-researched community aquarium setup. It is recommended to keep them with similarly-sized peaceful fish species such as characids, gasteropelecids, lebiasinids, small callichthyid or loricariid catfish, and non-predatory, small-to-medium sized cichlids. Acquiring a mixed-sex group of at least 8-10 individuals, along with other schooling fish for security, can create a natural and visually appealing aquatic environment for these tetras.

Behaviour

Known for their peaceful nature, Flag Tetras are ideal residents for community aquariums. They tend to exhibit schooling behavior, especially when kept in groups of suitable numbers. Proper tank mates and sufficient space help in reducing stress levels and promoting natural behaviors among these tetras.

Feeding and Diet

Flag Tetras are omnivorous by nature, feeding on small invertebrates, crustaceans, filamentous algae, and fallen fruits in their natural habitat. In a home aquarium, they can survive on dried foods but thrive when offered a diverse diet. Including live and frozen foods like chironomid larvae (bloodworm), mosquito larvae, Daphnia, and Moina is essential to ensure their optimal health and vitality.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

These tetras are egg-scattering free spawners, displaying no parental care towards their offspring. Breeding Flag Tetras can be induced in a controlled aquarium environment. Sexually mature females are slightly larger and deeper-bodied than males. Setting up a separate breeding tank with appropriate conditions, such as dim lighting, floating mesh for egg protection, and small live foods for the fry, can help maximize breeding success.

Habitat and Distribution

Flag Tetras are predominantly found in small streams known as igarapés in the Amazon region. They inhabit terra firme headwater tributaries east of the rio Tocantins, characterized by clear water, sandy or muddy substrates, submerged tree roots, fallen branches, and leaf litter. Their distribution ranges across the lower and middle Amazon basins, with records from southern Colombia, Pará, Maranhão, and other coastal drainages in South America.

Etymology

The genus name "Hyphessobrycon" is derived from Ancient Greek, meaning "of lesser stature," while the species name "heterorhabdus" translates to "other, different rod or wand," possibly referring to the dark lateral stripe on the fish's body. The species exhibits unique morphological features that differentiate it from closely related taxa within the genus.