Schmarda's Tetra

Hemigrammus schmardae

Family : Characidae

FishFreshwaterTetra

Schmarda's Tetra is a small silvery fish with a dark stripe and a black caudal spot. It lives in schools in Amazonian blackwaters.

Schmarda's Tetra — photo 1 sur 2 — n · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain1 / 2

Popularity

Community fish

classic in freshwater aquarium

Availability

Common in shops

Shop availability

IUCN Status

Least Concern

Biotope

South America

Hors bassin amazonien : Paraná, Orénoque, Andes.

Description

This tetra reaches about 4 cm. Its body is silvery with a dark lateral stripe and a well-marked black spot on the caudal peduncle. The fins are hyaline. It is very similar to Hemigrammus marginatus but the caudal spot is more pronounced. It is an active and gregarious swimmer. It occupies the mid-water and is peaceful. It is appreciated for its hardiness.

Habitat

Region :

Blackwater rivers and streams, leaf litter zones

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature23–28 °C

pH5.5–7

GH1–10 °dGH

KH1–6 °dKH

NO₃

≤ 20 mg/L

PO₄

≤ 0.5 mg/L

Care

Difficulty

2/5

Diet

Omnivore

Min. tank

60 L

Min. group

Adult size

4 cm

Lifespan

4 years

Temperament

Peaceful

Propagation

Care notes

Keep in groups of at least 6 in a 60-liter tank. Water should be soft and acidic (pH 5.5-7.0, GH 1-10). Temperature 23-28°C. Gentle filtration and subdued lighting are recommended. Omnivorous, accepts fine foods. Provide a setup with plants, roots, and dead leaves to mimic the natural habitat. Compatible with other small peaceful fish. Avoid aggressive species. Breeding is possible in very soft water.

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