Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Live Plant Safe: Yes
General Description: The Candy Cane Tetra, also known as the HY511 Tetra or Peppermint Tetra, is a relatively new fish to the hobby. Its origin is not fully known, but it has been speculated to come from the Amazon basin in Peru near the region of Iquitos. Given its extreme popularity, HY511 tetra that are available within the aquarium trade are commerically produced. A hardy fish, HY511 tetras that are often for sale are immature, in that they have an overall beige color with red and white on their dorsal fin. As they mature, HY511 tetras become very pink-red, and males will have more pronounced and elongated dorsal fins compared to females. It is also not well understood if HY511 tetra are its own species, or a subpopulation of the Rosy Tetra (Hyphessobrycon rosaceus) given their extreme similarities. HY511 tetra are said to be more colorful than Rosy tetra, but the differences between their dorsal fins can be a sure way to tell the two apart. These tetra are natural shoaling fish, thriving best with at least 6 individuals but more are encouraged. An adult HY511 tetra can reach a size of approximately 1.5″.
Diet Requirements: HY511 tetra are omnivores. Offer a diet made up of various high quality vegetable based and protein based flake foods, sinking micro pellet foods and bug bites are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.
Care Requirements: A minimum 5 to 10 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small group of HY511 tetra. Size up accordingly to accomodate a larger shoal. HY511 tetra are one of our listed “hardy fish” because they are able to endure the initial break-in cycle of a newly set-up aquarium. Given their ease of care, HY511 tetra are also an excellent choice for beginner hobbyists. The aquarium does not need to be aquascaped with anything in particular to keep a shoal of HY511 tetra happy, but plants, driftwood and other natural-looking arrangements will bring out the beauty of this fish. Given their peaceful temperament, HY511 tetra thrive best in an environment with like tank mates including other tetras. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 4-8, pH 6.0-7.5.
Purchase Size:Â Medium: 1”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.