Red-blue columbian - Hyphessobrycon columbianus

This beautifully colored ornamental fish have given its name to its coloration and origin. The red-blue columbian, also red-blue columbian tetra (Hyphessobrycon columbianus), comes from Colombia in South America. There it lives in smaller streams and rivers. The very sociable and peaceful high-backed tetra grows somewhat larger, reaching about 7 cm in body length. Females are slightly bulkier than males and show a distinct spawning pattern as they grow in size. Males have a somewhat elongated dorsal fin and a concave margin on the anal fin. In the female, this margin is convex.

Red-blue Columbians are distinguished by their bluish iridescent body, the color of which is beautifully complemented by the red fins. The more or less transparent to reddish anal fin of the Red-blue Columbian is very conspicuous and elongated. The bright blue iris of the eye just shines.

Hyphessobrycon columbianus is an extremely social school ing fish that becomes very shy when kept singly and should therefore only be kept in groups. If the fish are relaxed, they can be seen swimming separately, but in case of stress they form a shoal in a flash. A group size of 6-10 Red Blue Columbians is therefore recommended. Since the Red Blue Columbian as a medium sized tetra needs some space, the aquarium should hold at least 200 liters. Shading by floating plants, dark substrate and a good planting at the edge, as well as free space for swimming in the middle are optimal. Hyphessobrycon columbianus needs soft to maximum medium hard water. The water temperature in the aquarium should be between 24 and 27 °C.

This nicely colored South American schooling fish fits very well in a large community aqu arium with other peaceful fish like Corydoras, other tetras or small South American dwarf cichlids, whose demands on water and keeping are similar to those of the Red-Blue Colombian. You could also keep this more surface-oriented tetra with a few and peaceful dwarf shrimp, whereas dwarf shrimp may be eaten. Larger shrimp such as Amanos or fan shrimp are suitable partners.

As a typical member of the genus Hyphessobrycon, the nicely colored Red Blue Columbian is an omnivore. In the biotope it eats flown insects and their water-living larvae, worms and small crustaceans as well as plant material. In the aquarium it is best to feed with a high quality flake food or granulated food for omnivorous fish and enrich the diet of the Red Blue Columbian from time to time with live food and frozen food.

Breeding Hyphessobrycon columbianus is well possible in soft water with a pH of about 7.5. The breeding tank should hold 80 l for one to four breeding pairs. Very important: The breeding animals are conditioned with strong live food and brought into spawning mood.  The Red Blue Columbian is a free spawner, the females lay 100-400 eggs each. Since Hyphessobrycon columbianus are quite spawn predators, the parents should be removed from the aquarium after spawning. A spawning grid or large pebbles at the bottom of the aquarium will help protect the eggs. The larvae of the Red-blue Columbian hatch after a few days and swim free after about 5 days. They are then raised on rotifers and other infusoria and on artemia euplii.

Our food recommendation: The fragrant NatureHolic main feed "flake" and the NatureHolic main feed was tailor-made for the demands of omnivorous ornamental fish in the aquarium. With its softness, the soft granules resemble the consistency of tiny crustaceans and insect larvae and protect the delicate mouths of aquarium fish from micro-injuries.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planaria and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free from 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.