Product Details

Peugeot Tetra – Hyphessobrycon peugeoti

Overview:

The Peugeot Tetra is an elegant and unusual South American tetra with warm reddish body colour, a refined shape and attractive extended finnage in mature males. Known in some trade lists as Hyphessobrycon peugeotorum, this is a peaceful shoaling fish best suited to a planted, mature community aquarium. It is still a specialist and less frequently seen tetra, making it a strong choice for aquarists looking for something rarer than standard Neon, Ember or Lemon Tetras.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Peugeot Tetra
Other Names: Peugeoti Tetra, Peugeot’s Tetra, Hyphessobrycon peugeotorum
Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon peugeoti
Fish Type: Tetra
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

The Peugeot Tetra is native to Brazil, where it is recorded from the middle Rio Juruena drainage in the upper Rio Tapajós basin, Mato Grosso. Aquarium Glaser also notes this distribution and highlights that the species was scientifically described in 2013.

In nature, it is best thought of as a clearwater or soft-water South American tetra from tributary habitats with clean water, plant cover, submerged structure and quieter marginal areas. In the aquarium, it appreciates a mature planted setup with cover, shaded areas and open midwater swimming room.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Peugeot Tetras are small, slender-bodied characins with a reddish to rosy body colour that becomes stronger when the fish are settled and kept in a group. Mature males are especially attractive, developing more intense colour and a noticeably elongated, filament-like dorsal fin. FishBase notes that mature males can be distinguished by a conspicuously elongated filamentous dorsal fin and that the species shows an overall red colour when alive.

Adults usually reach around 3.5–4 cm, with Fishkeeper listing a maximum size of 4 cm. Males are typically more colourful and more ornate in the fins, while females are usually fuller-bodied.

Aquarium Suitability:

This is a peaceful shoaling tetra for mature planted aquariums, soft-water community tanks and South American-style layouts. It works well with fine-leaved plants, floating plants, wood, botanicals and darker substrate, all of which help the colour stand out. Avoid harsh lighting without cover, very boisterous tank mates or unstable new aquariums. A calm, well-maintained setup will show this species at its best.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 70 litres for a small group, with 90–120 litres or more recommended for a larger shoal and better male display behaviour. A tank length of at least 60 cm is sensible, as this species is active and looks best with open midwater space.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 23–28°C
pH: 6.0–7.0 preferred
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard; softer water preferred
Additional Notes: Captive-raised specimens can adapt to a wider range of aquarium conditions, but stable water is essential. Fishkeeper lists optimum pH around 6–7, KH up to 10 degrees and temperature 23–28°C. Provide gentle to moderate flow, good filtration, regular water changes and shaded planted areas.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Community Fish

Peugeot Tetras are peaceful and best kept with other calm, small to medium community fish. Suitable tank mates include small tetras, pencilfish, hatchetfish, rasboras, Cory-type catfish, Otocinclus, small peaceful plecs, dwarf cichlids and gentle gouramis in compatible water.

Avoid large predatory fish, aggressive cichlids, fin-nipping barbs and very fast, boisterous feeders that may stress or outcompete them. Keep in a group of at least 6, with 10 or more strongly preferred. Larger groups improve confidence, reduce stress and encourage males to display.

Feeding:

Peugeot Tetras are easy-feeding omnivores once settled. Offer quality fine flakes, micro pellets and small soft granules as the staple, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, cyclops, brineshrimp, bloodworm and mosquito larvae. Small foods are best, as this is a relatively small tetra. A varied diet helps maintain colour, fin condition and breeding readiness.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

This species usually occupies the middle levels of the aquarium, moving in a loose shoal and displaying more naturally when kept in numbers. Males may show off their elongated dorsal fins and stronger red colour to one another, especially in planted areas with open display space. It is active but not aggressive, making it well suited to peaceful aquascapes and specialist tetra collections.

Care Notes:

Add only to a cycled, mature aquarium with stable water quality. Use plants, wood and subdued areas to reduce stress and bring out the red tones. Do not keep singly or in pairs, as small numbers may become shy and washed out. Keep nitrate low with regular maintenance, and avoid mixing with fish that nip extended fins. A secure lid is recommended, as small tetras can jump when startled.

Recommended For:

Beginner to intermediate

Availability:

Occasional / Rare / Specialist import or captive-bred when available

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.