Blue Laser Tetra Hemigrammus saizi The Fish Barn
£15.00
Blue Laser Tetra Hemigrammus saizi
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Description
Species Care Guide: Blue Laser Tetra
Hemigrammus saizi (Blue Laser Tetra / Saisi Tetra)
The Blue Laser Tetra (Hemigrammus saizi), also known as the Saisi Tetra, is a diminutive and highly attractive characin native to the blackwater tributaries of the Rio Negro basin in South America. This species is characterised by a subtle, deep blue iridescence that runs along its flanks, which intensifies against a dark, tannin-rich environment. They are peaceful, shoaling fish, best suited for a mature, soft-water community tank that mimics their natural habitat.
1. General Characteristics and Sizing
| Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Blue Laser Tetra, Saisi Tetra |
| Origin | Brazil (Rio Negro tributaries) |
| Adult Size | Up to 4 cm (approx. 1.5 inches) |
| Temperament | Extremely Peaceful and timid; active shoaling fish |
| Lifespan | 3 – 5 years with optimal care |
| Shoal Size | Minimum of 10 individuals, preferably more, to ensure security and display natural behaviour. |
| Key Features | Subtle, iridescent blue-green lateral line that catches the light; small, translucent body. |
2. Aquarium Requirements (Husbandry)
As a native of calm, heavily shaded blackwater, the Blue Laser Tetra requires a soft-water setup with dense cover and subdued lighting.
| Requirement | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Minimum Volume | 60 Litres (approx. 13 Imperial Gallons) for a shoal of 10–12 fish. |
| Filtration | Gentle but efficient filtration is necessary (e.g., a good sponge filter or internal filter with low output), as they dislike strong currents. |
| Lighting | Subdued or Low Light is mandatory. Their colouration is best displayed in dim conditions. Use floating plants (Frogbit or Red Root Floaters) to diffuse light. |
| Substrate | Fine, dark sand is preferred. A dark substrate is crucial for reducing stress and enhancing their natural iridescence. |
| Decoration | Heavily plant the perimeter using fine-leaved species and incorporate intricate driftwood branches and a thick layer of leaf litter (e.g., catappa leaves). The tannins released from the wood and leaves create the essential blackwater effect. |
3. Water Quality and Parameters
This species is highly sensitive to fluctuations and must be kept in clean, soft, and acidic water. This is the opposite of the requirements for species like the Gold Molly or Dumbo Guppy.
| Parameter | Optimal Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 24°C – 28°C (75°F – 82°F) | Stable, warmer water is best. |
| pH | 5.0 – 6.5 (Acidic) | Soft water is required. Aiming for the lower end (5.5) with buffers or RO/DI water is ideal. |
| Hardness (dGH) | 1 – 8 dGH (Very Soft) | They are intolerant of hard water. |
| Maintenance | Regular, small (15–20%) weekly water changes are essential to maintain low nitrate levels. The replacement water must be pre-conditioned to match the low pH and hardness. |
4. Diet and Nutrition
The Blue Laser Tetra is a carnivorous micro-predator with a small mouth, meaning the size and type of food are critical.
- Staple Diet: High-quality micro-pellets or crushed flakes, ensuring the particles are small enough for them to swallow.
- Meaty Foods (Essential): They require high-protein, small foods offered daily. Ideal choices include frozen or live baby brine shrimp, cyclops, microworms, and daphnia.
- Feeding Behaviour: They are mid-water feeders. Ensure food sinks slowly or remains suspended long enough for the entire shoal to feed comfortably.
5. Compatibility and Behaviour
Due to their peaceful, timid nature, they should only be kept with equally gentle, non-competitive species.
- Tank Mates: Excellent companions are other soft, acidic water dwellers. Suitable choices include peaceful dwarf cichlids (Apistogramma species), small Corydoras, Otocinclus, Pencilfish, and other peaceful nano-fish (like Ember Tetras).
- Avoid: Any large or semi-aggressive fish, boisterous mid-water swimmers, or any species that requires hard/alkaline water.
- Behaviour: They are a true shoaling species. When housed in large numbers, they display fascinating tight schooling behaviour and their ‘laser’ stripe will shine brightest. Stress or isolation can cause them to become pale and hide constantly.
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Our nationwide delivery service makes it easy to receive your fish directly at your door, anywhere in the UK, for a flat rate of just £30. This convenient service allows you to order up to 10kg of fish, with the assurance that they will arrive in excellent condition. To make the fishes journey as comfortable as possible we use Oxygen in the fish bags and heat packs in all the boxes of fish we send out.
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