The Amapa Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amapaensis
Native Location: Amapa state, North east Brazil
Climate: Tropical
Maximum Size: 3cm
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivore
Breeding: Easy
Temperature Range: 23-28℃ (73.4-82.4℉)
Preferred pH Range: 5.0-7.0
Minimum Aquarium Size 60L (60cmx30cmx30cm)
Potential Tankmates: Dwarf Cichlids,Corydoras catfish or small characins
Care Level: Easy
The Amapa tetra thrives in South America's serene streams and tributaries, particularly in the lush, biodiverse regions of Amapá, Brazil. These fish inhabit soft, acidic waters that gently flow over a bed of fallen leaves, branches, and sandy substrates, mimicking the dark, tannin-rich environments of their native habitat. The underwater landscape is covered with various roots and driftwood, providing ample hiding spaces and breeding grounds. Vegetation is sparse yet pivotal, with plants such as Anubias and Ferns gracing the environment, offering shade and additional shelter.
To create an ideal aquarium for Amapa tetras, begin with a soft, sandy substrate covered with leaf litter to emulate their natural riverbed setting. Lighting should be low to replicate the sunlight of their forested environments. This can be achieved with dimmable LEDs. Decorate with plenty of driftwood and roots, creating shelter and places for these fish to explore. Add live plants to diffuse the light further. Stem plants and floating species can do well in this situation. When selecting tank mates, opt for peaceful species that thrive in similar conditions, like Corydoras catfish, dwarf cichlids like Apistogramma or small characins, ensuring a tranquil community. This careful setup not only brings a slice of the Amapa tetra's native streams into your home but also fosters their well-being and natural behaviours, making for a captivating and serene aquatic display.
The Amapa tetra's diet in the wild is diverse, mainly consisting of small insects, larvae, and plant debris, reflecting their omnivorous nature. In the home aquarium, replicating this varied diet is vital to maintaining their health and vibrant colours. High-quality flake food or micro pellets can serve as the staple of their diet, mimicking the nutritional value of their natural food sources. To closely replicate this, supplement with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. This not only provides essential nutrients but also encourages natural foraging behaviors. Introducing vegetable-based foods occasionally will ensure a well-rounded diet, mirroring the plant debris they would consume in the wild.
Breeding Amapa tetras in the home aquarium is a rewarding and fascinating process that requires careful preparation and attention to detail to mimic their natural spawning conditions. These fish are egg scatterers, laying their eggs among plants and substrates. To encourage breeding, set up a dedicated breeding tank with soft, acidic water and a temperature slightly higher than their regular habitat, around 25.5-26.5°C 78-80°F. Dim lighting and plenty of fine-leaved plants or spawning mops provide essential cover for the eggs. A diet rich in live foods prior to breeding can help induce spawning.
It's crucial to remove the adult tetras after spawning to prevent them from eating the eggs. With the right conditions, the eggs will hatch in about 24-36 hours, necessitating a supply of infusoria or other suitable micro-foods for the fry.
Dead on Arrival (DOA) Policy: In the unfortunate event that your fish arrives dead, please follow these steps: Within 12 hours of the delivery, take clear, unopened bag pictures showing the deceased fish. Send these photographs and your order number to our customer service email at getfish@thefishroom.co.nz or to our Facebook page, and we will then offer a refund or store credit for the cost of the fish.
Two-Week Guarantee Policy: We stand behind the health and quality of our fish, which is why we offer a two-week guarantee starting from the day of delivery. If your fish dies within this time frame, adhere to the following procedure: Take clear photos of the deceased fish. Using a reliable test kit, document water parameters (pH, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite levels) via a dated image. Please email us the photographs, water parameters, and order number to getfish@thefishroom.co.nz or our Facebook page. After reviewing your claim, if approved, we will issue a store credit for the cost of the fish. Our two-week guarantee does not cover fish deaths due to unsuitable water conditions, incompatible tank mates or "disasters", i.e. a heater overheating. To prevent such situations, we recommend thoroughly researching each fish species' needs before introducing them to your aquarium.
Freight Charges: Please note that shipping or freight charges are non-refundable under all circumstances. We hope this guide makes our refund and guarantee process more understandable. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact us at getfish@thefishroom.co.nz. We are always happy to assist. Thank you for choosing The Fish Room. Happy fishkeeping!
All our fish are quarantined on arrival for two weeks. During this time, we treat any health issues that may occur during transport and ensure each fish is eating well and looking healthy. All fish are treated with Flubendazole before finally going on sale.
