巴西魮脂鲤

Overview

Hyphessobrycon agulha is a peaceful small tetra that appears only occasionally in the aquarium trade. A mixed-sex group of at least eight to ten, accompanied by suitable quiet schooling fishes, encourages confidence and a more natural display.

Distribution & habitat

Confirmed records belong to the Madeira system, spanning Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia. Reports from other Amazon regions and the Tapajós require confirmation and should not be treated as an equally secure extension of the range.

Aquarium setup

Sand with branching wood and roots suits a naturalistic aquarium. Planted arrangements also work. Dried leaves add shelter and support microorganisms that can supplement the food available to adults and fry.

Diet & feeding

Its natural diet is probably omnivorous, potentially including small invertebrates, crustaceans, filamentous algae, and fallen fruit. In captivity, dry foods can be used alongside live or frozen bloodworms, mosquito larvae, water fleas, and similar items. A varied menu is preferable to a single prepared food.

Behaviour & compatibility

Comparable peaceful tetras, hatchetfishes, pencilfishes, small armored catfishes, and nonpredatory small-to-medium cichlids are possible companions. Keep both sexes in a proper shoal and choose other social fishes that do not overwhelm it.

Sexual dimorphism

Mature females are deeper-bodied and usually slightly larger than males.

Notes

The dark side stripe continues onto the central tail rays and provides one identifying clue. Historical groups based on similar tetra patterns do not necessarily represent clear evolutionary lineages, so a shared stripe alone is insufficient to establish identity.