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Heiko's tetra

Moenkhausia heikoi

Also known as Heikoi tetra, Xingu black neon tetra

FreshwaterFish
Heiko's tetra (Moenkhausia heikoi)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
75–84°F (24–29°C)
pH
5.0–6.8
Adult size
3.4 in (8.7 cm)
Minimum tank
29 gal (110 L)
Temperament
Peaceful
Social behavior
Schooling
Swim level
Middle
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Common
Origin
Rio Xingu, Brazil
Family
Characidae

Overview

A larger Moenkhausia for warm, soft-water displays, and a good dither fish for a Xingu layout with plecos below it. Keep eight or more in a 110 liter tank with open swimming space, wood and moderate flow. It is peaceful, robust and eats almost anything, so feed flake, granules and frozen foods generously. Warm water and real circulation are what keep it in condition.

In the wild

Moenkhausia heikoi lives in the Rio Xingu in Brazil, in warm, clear, soft and acidic water moving over rock and sand. Keep it at 24 to 29 degrees Celsius and pH 5.0 to 6.8, with strong circulation. The Xingu runs hotter than most Amazon tributaries, which is why the temperature range sits high.

Good to know

Moenkhausia heikoi reaches about 8.7 centimeters and is named for Heiko Bleher, the collector responsible for introducing a large share of the South American fish now in the hobby. It is an egg-scattering, non-guarding spawner.

Did you know

Bleher's name is on rainbowfish and tetras alike; this Xingu fish is his stamp on the clearwater south.

Tank mates

Heiko's 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 Heiko's tetra need?

A Heiko's tetra needs at least 29 gal (110 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH do Heiko's tetra need?

Heiko's tetra are comfortable at 75–84°F (24–29°C) with a pH of 5.0–6.8.

How big do Heiko's tetra get?

An adult Heiko's tetra reaches about 3.4 in (8.7 cm).

Do Heiko's tetra need a group?

Yes. Heiko's 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 · Schooling fish · Community fish

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