Blackberry tetra - Hyphessobrycon wadai

The  Blackberry Tetra, also known as Hyphessobrycon wadai, which was first described in 2016, originates from the Rio Tapajó in South America. Mainly it is found there in clear water rivers with light to strong flow velocity. In their natural environment, the animals are above sandy substrates and weedy zones. Currently the Blackberry Tetra is not very well known in the hobby, but  provides a great and sensational splash of color in the aquarium!

Purely externally, Blackberry Tetras are difficult to distinguish from each other in gender. In the basic color they are ocher to olive, in places also violet, hence their name. The blackberry tetra also has the tetra-typical adipose fin, a long extended anal and dorsal fin, which shimmer transparently and can be orange-reddish at the bases. At mating time, females develop a distinct spawning attachment on the abdomen. Males, on the other hand, develop more red on the body and fins. So far we have no sufficient knowledge about breeding success, but it should be possible, the rearing of the young somewhat more demanding.

The aquarium for the nimble blackberry tetras should be quite generous. Starting from 200 liters they can be maintained however quite well. Since the animals draw their strength from the group, they should be maintained in a group with ten animals if possible. Especially some shaded areas in the aquarium serve their well-being. With floating plants or lotus plants , for example, these can be well established. Also a dense planting in places suits them very well. With Roots and stones a great structure can be set, which also offers retreats. The water values for the blackberry tetras should preferably be a total hardness (GH) of 5 to 10 °dGH and a pH between 5.5 and 7.

Blackberry Tetras can be fed with fine frozen and live food like daphnia, artemia or enchytraea, but they also eat granules for omnivorous ornamental fish, like our main feed.

Our feed recommendation: This NatureHolic main feed is a professional staple feed for all aquarium fish. Main feed we supply in the form of soft granules, which thanks to its grain size of half a millimeter can be easily absorbed by small to medium-sized fish. The soft consistency resembles the texture of insect larvae in nature and protects the fish mouth from micro injuries.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planaria and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.