Hyphessobrycon sp. "Muzel Red Cherry"

Common Name: Muzel Red Cherry Tetra
Order: Characiformes — Family: Characidae (Characins)
Distribution: South America, Amazon basin (Peru and Colombia)
Adult Size: around 3 cm
Sale Size: approximately 2.5 to 3 cm
Life Expectancy: 3 to 5 years or more
pH: 6.0 to 7.2 — Hardness: 2 to 10
Temperature: 23°C to 28°C
Minimum Tank: 60 cm (length) x 30 cm (width), densely planted with wood, roots and dried leaves to create shaded areas, and a dark substrate that enhances its colouration.

Behaviour and Compatibility: A peaceful, schooling species. It should be kept in a group of at least 8 to 10 specimens, ideally more, so that it displays natural behaviour and more intense colours. Compatible with other similar-sized fish in a community aquarium, avoiding aggressive or predatory species.

Feeding: Omnivorous. In the wild it feeds on small invertebrates, crustaceans and zooplankton. In captivity it readily accepts good-quality dry foods, supplemented with live or frozen food (brine shrimp, daphnia, microworms) to improve health and colouration.

Breeding: Egg scatterer, spawning among plants or over the substrate, with no parental care. Breeding in the aquarium is possible in slightly acidic and soft water, and a dedicated tank with fine-leaved plants and low flow is recommended.

Sexual Dimorphism: Males are generally slimmer, slightly smaller and show more intense colours, especially the red tones. Females have a fuller, rounder body, particularly when adult and after spawning.

Biotope: Small, slow-flowing streams and creeks with clear to slightly stained water, abundant marginal vegetation, submerged roots and a sandy or leaf-litter bottom.