Amapa tetra
Hyphessobrycon amapaensis
Also known as Amapa red-line tetra
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 73–82°F (23–28°C)
- pH
- 5.5–7.0
- Adult size
- 1.4 in (3.6 cm)
- Minimum tank
- 15 gal (55 L)
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social behavior
- Schooling
- Swim level
- Middle
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- Hard
- Rarity
- Common
- Origin
- Amapa, northern Brazil
- Family
- Characidae
Overview
A peaceful schooler for a soft, slightly acidic community; keep six or more and the red line becomes a moving ribbon through the tank. It eats crushed flake, micro granules, and small live or frozen foods. Pair it with nano fish that share its calm temperament and water preferences.
In the wild
This tetra lives in small forest streams in Amapa, in Brazil's far north, where the water runs soft, warm, and shaded. Keep it at 23 to 28 degrees Celsius, pH 5.5 to 7.0, in a planted or leaf-littered tank with gentle flow and subdued light.
Good to know
Hyphessobrycon amapaensis reaches about 3.6 centimeters and is known from the state it is named after. Its signature is a bright red line running the length of the body directly above a crisp black stripe, a combination that stands out even among the many striped tetras of the region.
Did you know
The red-over-black striping has earned it comparisons to a lit fuse; in a dim blackwater tank the red line is often the first thing visitors spot.
Tank mates
Amapa tetra is a peaceful, schooling species that keeps to the middle. These picks match on water type, temperature, pH, size and temperament.
Hockeystick pencilfish
Nannostomus equesFreshwater1.4 in (3.5 cm)15 gal (55 L)72–82°F (22–28°C)
Masked cory
Hoplisoma metaeFreshwater2 in (5 cm)15 gal (55 L)70–79°F (21–26°C)
Barred pencilfish
Nannostomus espeiFreshwater1.2 in (3 cm)15 gal (55 L)72–82°F (22–28°C)Bridge dwarf cichlid
Apistogramma gephyraFreshwater1.8 in (4.5 cm)15 gal (55 L)77–84°F (25–29°C)
Southern platy
Xiphophorus maculatusFreshwater2.8 in (7 cm)15 gal (55 L)68–79°F (20–26°C)Amazon sail-fin dwarf cichlid
Apistogramma pertensisFreshwater2 in (5 cm)15 gal (55 L)77–84°F (25–29°C)
Common questions
What size tank does an Amapa tetra need?
An Amapa tetra needs at least 15 gal (55 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.
What temperature and pH do Amapa tetra need?
Amapa tetra are comfortable at 73–82°F (23–28°C) with a pH of 5.5–7.0.
How big do Amapa tetra get?
An adult Amapa tetra reaches about 1.4 in (3.6 cm).
Do Amapa tetra need a group?
Yes. Amapa tetra are a schooling species and should be kept in a group, not singly.
Where to buy
Some links may not be the exact species or variety.
- Aquatic Arts Freshwater fish, shrimp and snails with an arrive-alive guarantee
- The Wet Spot Tropical Fish Large selection of quarantined tropical freshwater fish, with live arrival guarantee and Next Day Air flat rate shipping to all US locations
…or ask your local fish store.
Appears in
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Related species
Black phantom tetra
Hyphessobrycon megalopterusFreshwater1.4 in (3.6 cm)17 gal (65 L)70–82°F (21–28°C)
Coffee bean tetra
Hyphessobrycon takaseiFreshwater1.4 in (3.6 cm)15 gal (55 L)73–82°F (23–28°C)
Pinnistriatus tetra
Hyphessobrycon pinnistriatusFreshwater1.4 in (3.6 cm)15 gal (55 L)72–81°F (22–27°C)Simulatus tetra
Hyphessobrycon simulatusFreshwater1.4 in (3.6 cm)15 gal (55 L)72–81°F (22–27°C)
Clavatus tetra
Hyphessobrycon clavatusFreshwater1.5 in (3.7 cm)15 gal (55 L)72–81°F (22–27°C)
Montag's tetra
Hyphessobrycon montagiFreshwater1.5 in (3.7 cm)15 gal (55 L)73–82°F (23–28°C)