Red-tailed feather tetra - Hemiodus gracilis

The South American red-tailed feather tetra is not necessarily a particularly well-known representative among aquarium fish and also rather a candidate, which already ranks among the rarities, because too often it does not exist in the trade. Sometimes it is also called slender half-striped tetra. Hemiodus gracilis, or Hemiodopsis gracilis, as it is scientifically described, belongs to the family of tetras and originates from the catchment area of the Amazon, but is also found in streams. Due to its behavior, the Red-tailed Feather Tetra is more of a challenge for larger aquariums and experienced aquarists.

Its slim, narrow body with the deeply cut tail fin of the Red Tail Feather Tetra already indicates its extremely sporty behavior. Typical for tetras, it also has an adipose fin. With a final size of up to 16 centimeters it also reaches a considerable size. The lower half of the caudal fin shows a red coloration. Along the lateral line in the rear back a black line runs on the otherwise rather gray body, which leads over the tail style into the lower tail fin. The eyes are conspicuously large, and the mouth is underslung. Males are somewhat slimmer than females, and the sexes are rather difficult to distinguish purely externally. Successful breeding of these nimble comrades is not yet known.

The aquarium for these streamlined creatures should have an edge length of at least 120 cm, better even 200 cm, because they are extremely good and fast swimmers. Especially when placing them in the aquarium, care should be taken to provide a calm environment, as they are extremely skittish and susceptible to stress. Also, the aquarium should be covered and darkened after introduction to allow the animals to acclimate. It happens that Red Feather Tetras need up to 21 days before they feel at home. Since they attach great importance to their shoal and quickly begin to alienate, you should keep them with at least 10 comrades. Because shyly they withdraw and care quickly. The tank can have dense plant populations in places and should otherwise be rather loosely planted especially with large-leaved species like Echinodorus so that there is still enough swimming space available. In rather soft, slightly acidic and oxygen-rich water the feather tetras feel most comfortable. The total hardness should therefore be between 4 and a maximum of 15 °dGH and a pH value of 6-7.2. The temperature can settle at 23-27 °C.

Redtail feather tetras can live well with peaceful large cichlids, but also Dwarf cichlids and medium sized tetras, which come from similar parameters, but also with Loricarius or L-catfish can be socialized. Dwarf shrimps, however, are rather on their menu, which is why these are rather unsuitable. Also dwarf crayfish or crayfish are not necessarily recommended, because this company can quickly lead to misunderstandings.

This carnivore should be fed a varied diet. Granules for carnivorous ornamental fish are also suitable for this purpose after some habituation. With small live and Frozen food it can be spoiled very well. Water fleas, but also cyclops or enchytraen, as well as Artemia he will not reject. Freeze-dried food animals are also suitable to spice up his menu.

Our food recommendation: NatureHolic Cichfeed is a great staple food for all carnivorous cichlids in the aquarium, perfectly meeting their requirements for food composition. The tasty pearls are also very well eaten by larger cichlids. Thanks to their soft texture, NatureHolic Cichfeed food pearls are gentle on the mouth and can be eaten very well by the fish.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians 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.