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Calypso tetra

Hyphessobrycon axelrodi

Also known as Axelrod's tetra

FreshwaterFish

Care at a glance

Temperature
72–82°F (22–28°C)
pH
5.5–7.2
Adult size
1.1 in (2.8 cm)
Minimum tank
10 gal (38 L)
Temperament
Peaceful
Social behavior
Schooling
Swim level
Middle
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Medium
Rarity
Rare
Origin
Trinidad
Family
Characidae

Overview

Keep at least six in a nano or larger community with other gentle fish; it is too small to share water with anything boisterous. Feeds readily on crushed flake, micro pellets, and baby brine shrimp. A tight school over dark gravel shows this understated fish at its best.

In the wild

The calypso tetra comes from lowland streams and swampy ditches on Trinidad, warm shallow water full of vegetation. It settles well at 22 to 28 degrees Celsius and pH 5.5 to 7.2 in a planted tank with a dark substrate and quiet flow.

Good to know

Described by Travassos in 1959 and named for Herbert Axelrod, this is one of the few Hyphessobrycon found off the South American mainland. It stays under about 2.8 centimeters, a true nano tetra with a silvery body, subtle shoulder mark, and fins that pick up a soft amber tint in good condition.

Did you know

Its common name honors calypso, the music of its home island of Trinidad, making it one of the few aquarium tetras named after a musical genre.

Tank mates

Calypso tetra is a peaceful, schooling species that keeps to the middle. These picks match on water type, temperature, pH, size and temperament.

Check the full mix in the stocking calculator

Common questions

What size tank does a Calypso tetra need?

A Calypso tetra needs at least 10 gal (38 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH do Calypso tetra need?

Calypso tetra are comfortable at 72–82°F (22–28°C) with a pH of 5.5–7.2.

How big do Calypso tetra get?

An adult Calypso tetra reaches about 1.1 in (2.8 cm).

Do Calypso tetra need a group?

Yes. Calypso 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.

…or ask your local fish store.

Appears in

Freshwater fish · Tetras · Nano fish · Schooling fish · Community fish

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