Product Details

Colombian Tetra – Hyphessobrycon columbianus

Overview:

The Colombian Tetra is a bold, colourful and active South American tetra with a metallic blue-silver body and striking red fins. Hyphessobrycon columbianus is larger and more boisterous than many small tetras, making it best suited to a spacious planted community with confident tank mates. When kept in a proper group, it is hardy, bright and highly visible, but it should not be treated as a tiny nano tetra or mixed with very delicate long-finned fish.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Colombian Tetra
Other Names: Columbian Tetra, Blue Red Colombian Tetra, Red Blue Colombian Tetra, Red Tail Mirror Blue Tetra
Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon columbianus
Fish Type: Tetra / Characin
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

The Colombian Tetra is native to north-western Colombia, with FishBase listing it from the Acandí River basin in the Darién region. Fishipedia and TFH also place the species in the Rio Acandí drainage near Colombia’s Caribbean or Atlantic coast.

In nature, it is associated with small creeks and flowing freshwater habitats. In the aquarium, it should be given clean, well-oxygenated water, open swimming space and cover from plants, wood or shaded areas.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Colombian Tetras have a deep, robust body with a reflective blue, silver or turquoise sheen. The fins are usually red to orange-red, creating the classic blue-and-red contrast that makes the species so popular. Mature males may show stronger fin extension, while females are usually fuller-bodied.

Adults reach around 6–7 cm, with FishBase listing a maximum of 7 cm total length and Fishkeeper also giving a maximum size of 7 cm.

Aquarium Suitability:

This is a good choice for a medium to larger community aquarium, especially where an active, colourful shoal is wanted. Colombian Tetras are peaceful enough for many communities, but they are fast, confident feeders and may be too lively for shy nano fish or slow long-finned species. They suit planted aquariums with open midwater swimming space, darker décor, wood, hardy plants and moderate filtration.

They are not suitable for very small tanks, timid micro fish, delicate finny species or aggressive predator communities.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 120 litres for a group, with 150 litres or more preferred for a larger shoal and mixed community. A tank length of at least 90 cm is recommended, as this species is active and more substantial than small tetras such as Neons, Embers or Glowlights.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 24–27°C
pH: 5.5–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard; softer stable water preferred
Additional Notes: Fishkeeper recommends soft, slightly acidic water, with pH 5.5–7.0 and hardness up to 12 dH, while captive-bred fish are usually adaptable if water quality is stable. Keep nitrate low and avoid sudden changes in water chemistry.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Community Fish

Colombian Tetras are active, robust community fish. Suitable tank mates include similar-sized tetras, rainbowfish, peaceful barbs, larger rasboras, Cory-type catfish, bristlenose plecs, peaceful loaches, medium livebearers and calm dwarf or medium cichlids in suitable water.

Avoid very small nano fish, tiny fry, ornamental shrimp, slow long-finned fish such as fancy guppies or long-fin bettas, and nervous species that may be overwhelmed by their activity. Keep in a group of at least 6, with 8–10 or more preferred. A larger group helps spread any chasing and encourages natural shoaling.

Feeding:

Colombian Tetras are easy-feeding omnivores. Offer quality flakes, small granules and micro pellets as the staple diet. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, brineshrimp, cyclops, mosquito larvae and bloodworm. Seriously Fish describes the species as a foraging omnivore feeding on worms, insects, zooplankton, plant material and detritus in nature, so a varied diet is ideal.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

This species usually swims in the middle and upper levels, moving in a loose, active shoal. It is confident at feeding time and may spar or chase within the group, especially between males, but serious harm is uncommon when the shoal is large and the aquarium has enough space. In a settled tank, the metallic body colour and red fins become much stronger.

Care Notes:

Add Colombian Tetras only to a mature, fully cycled aquarium. Provide a secure lid, as active tetras can jump if startled. Keep them in a proper group, maintain steady water quality and choose tank mates carefully. Because they are stronger and more boisterous than many small tetras, they are best sold as a medium community fish rather than a nano community species.

Recommended For:

Beginner to intermediate

Availability:

Common to occasional / Usually captive-bred

Image Disclaimer:

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, colour, pattern and markings can occur between individual fish.