HY511 Candy Cane Tetra (Hyphessobrycon sp.) – Tank-Bred!

The HY511 Candy Cane Tetra (Hyphessobrycon sp.) is a strikingly beautiful tetra that is becoming increasingly popular among aquarists due to its elegant appearance and peaceful disposition. This fish boasts translucent maroon and pink body coloration and long, flowing, white-tipped fins. A school of these can be the highlight in any peaceful community aquarium, and will particularly stand out in any planted aquarium.

The Candy Cane Tetra typically occupies the top and middle level of the water column, although it can often be seen swimming and feeding in the middle and bottom levels as well. It is safe to keep with other peaceful, small fish. This tetra has a small mouth, but it still might prey on small adult shrimp.  Larger, peaceful invertebrates can also make good tankmates. The Candy Cane Tetra must be kept in schools of 6 or more. Since it is tank-bred, this fish is somewhat adaptable, but its natural habitat contains soft, acidic water rich in tannins and leaf litter. It requires very clean water to thrive and it will display optimal coloration and health in a planted aquarium with dark substrate, especially where floating plants are present.  

While not a picky eater, the Candy Cane Tetra will thrive and remain very colorful on a varied diet of omnivorous foods. High-quality flake food, pellets, and frozen or freeze-dried tubifex and bloodworms will all be readily accepted.