Tetra Red/Blue Columbian

The Red Blue Columbian Tetra comes from the Caribbean coast of northern Colombia. They inhabit small streams in the Acanti River basin of Colombia where there’s heavy vegetation and tree roots enter the water from the banks, allowing this fish good cover. This can be replicated by heavy planting in the aquarium.

This tetra makes an ideal aquarium fish, but note a few factors that will help enhance this beautiful fish. It is not one of the smaller popular tetras and can grow to just over 6.5cm, making it a medium-sized fish. In the wild they feed and breed in large shoals, so it is best to keep them in groups og 6 or more.

Red Blue Columbian Tetra are very active swimmers with large eyes and a good set of teeth — all indicators of a fish good at catching its prey and capable of avoiding being eaten by larger fish. On the rarest of occassions they may chase other tank mates and nip their fins, but this is rare. You should still avoid mixing with slower moving fish with flowing fins such as fancy guppies and try to select fish of their own size.

A balanced diet will help promote their colours, so avoid offering purely flake foods. A diet of quality flake and frozen bloodworm is a good mix.

• Species – Hyphessobrycon columbianus
• Common Name – Red Blue Columbian Tetra
• Origin – South America
• Diet – Omnivore
• PH Range – 6 – 7.5
• Temperature – Tropical 22-28°c
• Breed Type – egg layer
• Current Size – approximately 2.5cm (Grows to approximately 6.5cm)
• Sex – Un-sexed