Flamingo tetra - hemigrammus caudovittatus

The robust flamingo tetra (Hyphessobrycon anisitsi "Albino", synonym: Hemigrammus caudovittatus "Albino") is the albino form of the rhombic tetra from the Rio La Plata catchment area in Brazil. This beautiful large tetra grows up to 7 cm. In the wild, the wild form is found in pools with dense plant populations.

This very adaptable and easy to keep tetra species is transparent with a pinkish cast and the albino typical red eyes. Males have a transparent red caudal fin, and the anal fin may also be reddish. The other fins are transparent. The more bulky females are more or less transparent.

Hemigrammus caudovittatus "Albino" is a lively, yet very peaceful schooling fish. When the tetras are stressed, they join together to form a school; when they are relaxed, these handsome group fish spread loosely around the aquarium individually or in small groups. Keep no fewer than 10 Flamingo Tetras as a group. This quite swimming, lively and large tetra needs at least a standard aquarium with 80 cm edge length.

The adaptable Flamingo Tetra tolerates soft to hard water, however humic substances in the aquarium water are absolutely helpful and can keep this attractive ornamental fish in good health. When it comes to water temperature, the Flamingo Tetra is very tolerant of 18 to 28 °C, with 22-26 °C being ideal. In the aquarium, the Flamingo Tetra prefers good planting around the edges and in the background; there should be enough free space for swimming in the center of the aquarium. When planning aquarium plants for an aquarium with Flamingo Tetras, remember that the beautiful ornamental fish likes to nibble on fine aquarium plants . Aquatic plants with less fine leaves tend to stay intact longer.

Flamingo tetras are good fish for a large community tank with other medium-sized tetras or other non-predatory, non-shy aquarium fish. Up to medium sized juvenile tetras will be eaten. Socialization should only be done with large shrimp such as Amano shr imp. Hemigrammus caudovittatus "Albino" / Hyphessobrycon anisitsi tend to live in the middle and top of the aquarium and may therefore suit more peaceful dwarf shrimp.

Besides plant food the attractive albino flamingo tetra also eats Live food and Frozen food. A tasty high quality flake food or granular food for all aquarium fish is a good choice. In addition, special food for herbivores or soft vegetables as additional food can somewhat curb the desire of the flamingo tetra to the aquarium plants.

The flamingo tetra is not particularly difficult to breed and is successfully propagated even by beginners. However, it works best with the spawn predators in a separate breeding tank from 54 liters volume and soft to medium hard water with a slightly acidic to neutral pH up to 7.5. There you put a pair of Hemigrammus caudovittatus "Albino" or a harem of one male and two females. During courtship it is rough. A densely planted breeding aquarium protects the females, which can then hide if the chasing is too violent. A cover is mandatory! Flamingo tetras simply lay their eggs as free spawners. The adult fish have a great appetite for the spawn as do the fry, a spawning grate or layer of glass marbles or large pebbles in the breeding tank can greatly improve egg yield. After spawning, the flamingo tetras come back out of the breeding tank. The eggs and later the larvae are sensitive to light, so the breeding aquarium should not be in a bright location. After a few days the larvae start to swim freely. Dust food and infusoria are a good initial food, later also artemia euplii, micro worms and cyclops.

Our food recommendation: The NatureHolic main feed is a professional staple feed for all aquarium fish. Main feed is supplied in the form of soft granules, which, thanks to its grain size of half a millimeter, can be easily ingested 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, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free from 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.