All fish / Characidae

Panama Tetra

Hyphessobrycon panamensis

Also known as panama tetra, panamanian tetra, パナマテトラ, 巴拿马灯鱼

A small, slim tetra with a silvery body, a dark mark near the tail base and reddish or yellowish tints in the fins. It is rarely seen in the trade but appeals to keepers of Central American biotopes and fans of uncommon characins, as it is hardy and active in a group.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

4 cm

Temperature

22 to 28 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

Shoal of 8 or more

Diet

Omnivore: small flakes, micro pellets, frozen bloodworm, daphnia and brine shrimp

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Panama and Costa Rica (Atlantic and Pacific slope coastal streams)

Breeding

An egg scatterer that spawns among fine plants or spawning mops in soft, slightly acidic water, after which the adults should be removed as they eat the eggs. The fry are tiny and need infusoria at first, but breeding is considered fairly achievable.

Good to know

Often confused with other plain silvery Hyphessobrycon species, so wild imports may be mislabelled. Keep with similar-sized peaceful fish as it can be timid alone.