Amapa Tetra (Hyphessobrycon amapaensis):

Care Guide:

• Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon amapaensis
• Common Name: Amapa Tetra, Red Line Tetra
• Care Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Maximum Size: 2.5–3.5 cm (approx. 1–1.5 inches)
• Lifespan: 3–5 years

• Temperature: 23°C to 28°C is optimal.
• pH Range: 5.5–7.0 (prefers soft, slightly acidic water conditions).
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2–10 dGH).
• Aquarium Size: Minimum 60 litres for a small school; larger volumes provide better swimming stability.

• Substrate & Background: Use a dark sand or gravel substrate coupled with a dark background. This setup reduces stress and encourages the fish to show off their deepest red coloration.
• Hardscape: Incorporate thin driftwood branches and dried leaf litter (such as Indian Almond leaves or beech leaves). This structure provides security and releases beneficial organic compounds.
• Vegetation: They thrive in heavily planted tanks. Arrange dense clusters of fine-leaved flora like Cabomba, Myriophyllum, or floating plants to create shaded areas that mimic their natural forest stream environment.
• Water Flow: Keep the water current gentle to moderate. They naturally inhabit slow-moving savannah streams and dislike turbulent water.

• The Amapa Tetra is a micro-predator by nature but transitions into a highly versatile omnivore in captivity.
• Primary Diet: Offer high-quality micro-granules, crushed premium flakes, and spirulina-enriched powdered foods.
• Live and Frozen Foods: Regular feedings of frozen daphnia, baby brine shrimp, cyclops, and finely chopped bloodworms are essential to enhance their red horizontal stripe.

• Shoaling Instincts: This species must be kept in a group of 6 to 10 individuals at an absolute minimum. Larger schools of 15 or more create a spectacular visual display and keep the fish confident and active.
• Community Life: Exceptionally peaceful. They make ideal candidates for mature community aquariums and sensitive nano setups.
• Compatible Tank Mates: Excellent companions include other small, peaceful tetras (such as Green Neons or Rummynose Tetras), dwarf rasboras, Corydoras catfish, otocinclus, and small freshwater shrimp (like Cherry or Amano shrimp). Avoid hosting them with large, predatory fish that could easily mistake them for food.

• They are egg-scattering fish that exhibit no parental care.
• Breeding Setup: To breed them successfully, set up a separate, small breeding tank with very soft, acidic water (pH 5.5–6.0) and a dim environment. Line the bottom with a spawning mesh or fine-leaved plants like Java Moss.
• Spawning Action: Introduce a well-conditioned pair or a small group into the breeding tank in the evening. They typically spawn during the early morning hours, scattering adhesive eggs among the plants.
• Fry Rearing: Remove the adults immediately after spawning to prevent them from eating the eggs. The eggs hatch in 24–36 hours, and the free-swimming fry must be fed microscopic foods like infusoria or paramecium before transitioning to baby brine shrimp.

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