The article in brief
The almond tetra is a small, colourful freshwater fish native to South America and popular with aquarists. Here are the key points:
- Appearance Transparent body with one colour bright red-orangesize from 1.5 to 3.5 cm
- Habitat Aquarium planted with a minimum of 60 litres, water between 23 and 29°C, pH 5.5-7.5
- Behaviour : Fish gregarious and peacefulto be kept in groups of at least 10 individuals
- Power supply Omnivore, enjoys a varied diet (flakes, micro-granules, live foods)
- Service life 2 to 3 years in an aquarium with appropriate care
Le tetra almond fish is a true aquatic wonder that lights up our aquariums with its flamboyant colours. Native to South America, this little jewel fascinates aquarium enthusiasts with its beauty and peaceful behaviour. Let's plunge together into the captivating world of this freshwater fish and discover how to care for it so that it flourishes in our homes.
Characteristics and origin of tetra almond
A fish that looks like a living jewel
The almond tetra, whose scientific name is Hyphessobrycon amandae, is a small freshwater fish with a great deal of charm. With an adult size of between 1.5 and 3.5 cm, it is perfect for medium-sized aquariums. What makes it special? A transparent body revealing its organs, enhanced by a magnificent bright red-orange colour. Watching these little creatures gracefully swim around our aquariums is a real spectacle!
A native of Brazilian waters
Native to the Rio Araguaia basin in Brazil, the almond tetra is accustomed to fresh, slightly acidic waters. In its natural habitat, it is found in slow-moving rivers, streams and tributaries in the Amazon basin. It is here that it has developed a preference for waters with very specific parameters:
- Temperature: between 23 and 29°C (ideally 26°C)
- pH: from 5.5 to 7.5
- Hardness: GH 1-12°, KH 2-8°.
A fish with many names
You may hear it called spark tetra or fire tetra. These nicknames come from its brilliant colour, which is reminiscent of the glow of a flame. Belonging to the Characidae family, this little fish shares some characteristics with its cousins, such as the blue neona favourite with aquarists.
Aquarium maintenance and care
The right environment for a happy tetra
For your almond tetra to flourish, it's essential to provide it with a habitat that's as close as possible to its natural environment. A well-planted aquarium with shaded areas will be perfect. I've noticed that my almond tetras love to squeeze in between aquatic plants. A dark substrate will accentuate their bright colours and make them stand out.
Here is a summary table of the ideal conditions for your aquarium:
| Parameter | Recommended value |
|---|---|
| Minimum volume | 60 litres for a group |
| Temperature | 26°C (23-29°C) |
| pH | 6,5 (5,5-7,5) |
| Hardness | GH 1-12°, KH 2-8°, KH 2-8°. |
A sociable fish that loves company
The almond tetra is a gregarious fish that likes to live in groups. For their well-being, we recommend keeping them in shoals of at least 10 individuals. It's interesting to watch them swimming together, creating a harmonious aquatic ballet. Their peaceful behaviour makes them excellent companions for other peaceful species of similar size.
If you are considering cohabiting with blue neon lights or fighting fishFor example, if you're going to have a community aquarium, make sure that the aquarium conditions are suitable for all the species present. Personally, I've had very good results by combining almond tetras with blue neon lights, creating a nice colour contrast in my community aquarium.
Nutrition and daily care
An omnivore, the tetra almond appreciates a varied diet. In my experience, I've found that a combination of dry, live and frozen food gives the best results. Here are a few options I recommend:
- Quality flakes for tropical fish
- Specific micro-granules for small characids
- Frozen artemia or daphnia (in small quantities)
- Live bloodworms (occasionally as a treat)
Don't forget that water quality is vital for these small, stress-sensitive fish. Regular water changes, approximately 25% per week, are necessary to maintain clean, healthy water. It's a small effort that makes all the difference to the health of your tetras.
Reproduction and life cycle
Breeding almond tetras can be an exciting challenge for the experienced aquarist. These fish are oviparous and lay their eggs in open water. If you'd like to give it a try, here are a few tips:
- Prepare a separate breeding tank with slightly more acidic water (pH 6-6.5).
- Feed broodstock plenty of live food to stimulate egg-laying.
- Use a spawning mop or fine-leaved plants to collect the eggs
- Remove the parents after laying to prevent them from eating the eggs
The average lifespan of an almond tetra is 2 to 3 years in an aquarium. That's relatively short, but with the right care, these little fish can provide you with moments of pure aquatic joy for the rest of their lives.
As a keen aquarist, I can't recommend almond tetra enough for its charm and ease of maintenance. It's an excellent choice for beginners and experienced aquarists alike who want to add a splash of colour to their aquarium. Don't forget that every fish has its own personality, and that's what makes our hobby so fascinating!
If you are planning tointegrating almond tetras with other species such as bettasIf you're looking for a good aquarium, be sure to ask about compatibility. With the right care and the right environment, your almond tetras will quickly become the stars of your aquarium, offering you a colourful and soothing spectacle every day.
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