All fish / Characidae

Hummingbird Tetra

Trochilocharax ornatus

Also known as hummingbird tetra, ornate hummingbird tetra, trochilocharax, ハミングバードテトラ, 蜂鸟灯

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This tiny Peruvian characin is partly see-through, and males have bright red and blue fins with metallic spots that flicker as they display. It was only described in 2010 and is kept by nano and biotope enthusiasts for its unusual looks and lively displaying males.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

1.7 cm

Temperature

22 to 27 °C

pH

5.5 to 7

Smallest tank

40 litres

Keep as

Group of 10 or more

Diet

Omnivore: tiny live and frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia and cyclops, plus fine dry foods

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

2 to 4 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Peru (upper Amazon tributaries, Ucayali and Marañón drainages)

Breeding

It scatters eggs among fine plants or moss and gives no parental care. Breeding in a small, soft-water tank with plenty of moss is possible, but the fry are minute and need infusoria or similar first foods.

Good to know

Its very small size means it should only be kept with equally small, peaceful tankmates. It is still fairly rare in the trade and imports can be delicate at first.