Hyphessobrycon simulatus · False X-ray Tetra

Overview

An uncommon French Guianan tetra, Hyphessobrycon simulatus is peaceful but often mislabeled in the trade. A relatively large humeral spot and black pigment confined to the first anal ray help distinguish it from superficially similar fishes.

Distribution & habitat

Endemic to French Guiana, it has records from coastal drainages including the Maroni, Mana, Sinnamary, Kourou, Comté, Mahury, Kaw, Approuague, and Oyapock.

It generally occupies quiet or sluggish tributaries and backwaters, including oxbows and floodplain lakes.

Aquarium setup

Sand and branching wood create a natural setting, while planted aquaria are also suitable. Dried leaves provide cover and develop microbial communities as they break down, supplying supplementary tiny foods rather than replacing regular feeding.

Diet & feeding

A mixture of small invertebrates, crustaceans, filamentous algae, and fallen fruit is presumed in nature. Captive fish may accept dry food, but regularly include small live or frozen bloodworms, mosquito larvae, and water fleas for a varied ration.

Behaviour & compatibility

Compatible companions include similarly sized characins and appropriate small armored or suckermouth catfishes. Nonpredatory small cichlids require individual assessment of size and temperament.

Keep a mixed-sex shoal of eight to ten or more. Other schooling fishes can help provide security and encourage natural activity.

Sexual dimorphism

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

Breeding

No practical captive breeding account is available.

Notes

Compared with Pristella maxillaris, this species has a larger humeral mark. Black in the anal fin is limited to the first ray rather than forming a conspicuous outer blotch.

It was originally placed alone in Pseudopristella. Later generic and color-based groupings remain debated, and misapplied trade names do not establish a revised identification.