Hyphessobrycon columbianus
The Colombian Tetra comes from Colombia. It is also know as the “Columbian” Tetra, the Blue-Red Columbian and the Red Tail Mirror Blue Tetra. It was known by the scientific name Hyphessobrycon ecuadoriensis and more recently as Hyphessobrycon columbianus, which more accurately describes its Colombian origin. It has only been available in pet stores since 1995 and has become a very popular tetra. The Colombian tetra has a band of blue across the upper body with red in the fins, especially in the caudal fin. The lower body is silvery.
The Colombian is very hardy and is a good beginner fish, however it is fairly aggressive and should only be kept with more nippy, active and aggressive tetras, such as the Serpae, Blind Cave, Buenos Aires and the Silver Tip Tetra. They are definitely not good companions for smaller tetras and guppies. Colombians will be happier and show better colors when kept in groups of 6. They appreciate a well planted tank, but the will eat plants. Colombians will eat flake foods, freeze dried bloodworms and brine shrimp.
Males and females are difficult to distinguish by coloring. The female is larger and broader, especially when laden with eggs. Soft, slightly acidic water is best for breeding and lighting should be greatly dimmed. Pairs should be separated for more than a week before breeding and fed a variety of foods. Tetras have adhesive eggs, so fine leaved plants or spawning mops should be used to catch the eggs. Colombians will spawn multiple times over a period of days. The parents should be removed after spawning. The fry are very small. Fry should be fed infusoria and the finely ground flake foods.