Red Blue Columbian Tetra
Do you want to add some excitement to your fish tank? Then you need to consider adding red, blue Columbian tetras!
These beautiful fish are sure to brighten up any aquarium, and they are an excellent choice for beginners.
This article will discuss the care and feeding of red and blue Columbian tetras.
We will also provide some tips on keeping your tank looking its best. So if you are thinking about adding some new fish to your tank, keep reading!
Characteristics
| Scientific Name | Hyphessobrycon columbianus |
| Common Name | Red and Blue Columbian Tetra, Red Tail Mirror Blue Tetra |
| Family | Characidae |
| Origin | Colombia, South America |
| Aggression | They can be an aggressive tetra, so avoid keeping them with fish that have larger fins to avoid fin nipping. They may also bully smaller tank mates. |
| Minimum Tank Size | At least 20 gallons |
| Length | 2 inches (5 cm) |
| Diet | Not picky eaters |
| Ease of Care | Easy to Medium |
| pH | Between 6 and 7 |
| Temperature | 75°F – 80°F (24°C – 27°C) |
| Common Name | Red and Blue Columbian Tetra, Red Tail Mirror Blue Tetra |
| Lifespan | 3 – 5 years |
Red Blue Columbian Tetra Origins
Red Blue Columbian Tetras are one of the most popular tetras native to South America.
Dieter Bork discovered it in 1995 when he gathered some specimens and transported them to Germany.
This fish became so widespread that it was being sold as a popular aquarium fish throughout Europe within a year.
What Are the Features of Red Columbian Tetra?
1. Appearance
Red Blue Columbian Tetras have a slender, torpedo-shaped body with a slightly pointed head. Their scales are iridescent, and their fins are translucent.
2. Color
The males of this species tend to be more brightly colored than the females. Their colors range from deep blue to bright red, and the belly of these fish is usually pale white or silver.
Generally, the body of the Red-Blue Columbian Tetra is a brilliant silver color, with blue coloration on the top of their body and dark red coloration on their fins.
This striking color combination makes them a beautiful addition to any freshwater aquarium.
3. Length & Weight
Red Blue Columbian Tetras are small fish, only growing to be about 2 inches (5 cm) in length.
As such, they don’t weigh very much either. The average weight of a Red Blue Columbian Tetra is between 1 and 2 grams.
4. Lifespan
With the proper care, the average lifespan of a red-blue Columbian tetra is 3 to 5 years.
Is Red Columbian Tetra Hardy?
Red Columbian tetras are very hardy fish and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions.
This makes them ideal for beginner aquarists who may not have the time or experience to provide optimal care.
However, like all fish, they still need clean water and good tank maintenance to stay healthy and thrive.
Red Columbian tetras are also relatively resistant to disease, making them a low-maintenance option for many aquarists.
How to Care for Red Columbian Tetra?
1. Tank Size
Due to their small size, these fish don’t require a large tank.
A 20-gallon aquarium is sufficient for a small group of these fish. However, like all tetras, they do best in large groups and should be kept in at least a 30-gallon tank.
2. Temperature
The Red-Blue Columbian Tetra is a fish that can tolerate a wide range of water temperatures.
However, they feel more comfortable in water between 75°F and 80°F (24°C and 27°C).
3. PH Level
Red Blue Columbian Tetras prefer water with a pH level between 6 and 7. They also prefer water on the softer side, with a hardness of 5-10 dGH.
4. Lighting
As with all aquarium fish, providing the Red Blue Columbian Tetra with proper lighting is essential.
These fish are found in murky waters near the bottom of streams and rivers in their natural habitat. So, they do not require bright light and can be harmed by it.
The best way to provide lighting for these fish is to use a fluorescent tube light with low wattage. This will provide the fish with the dim light they need without harming them.
5. Tank Decoration
Your red-blue Columbian tetra fish will feel most comfortable in a well-lit tank with plenty of hiding places.
So, include plenty of plants and other decorations in your tank to provide your fish with a natural environment.
Red Columbian Tetra Diet
The Red-Blue Columbian Tetras are omnivores that eat various foods. They mainly feed on worms, insects, and other zooplankton in the wild. They will also eat smaller amounts of plant material and organic detritus.
The best condition and colors are achieved with a regular diet of small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia, and Artemia.
They should also have good quality dried flakes and granules as part of their diet, some of which should include additional plant or algal content. This will ensure they get the nutrients to stay healthy and vibrant.
Red Columbian Tetra Compatibility
It’s important to find fish with a similar temperament when looking for compatible fish for your Red Blue Columbian Tetra.
These tetras can be nippy, so you’ll want to avoid smaller fish that they could see as potential prey. It’s also important to find fish with similar size and water parameter requirements.
You’ll set your fish up for success and create a beautiful and balanced aquarium by doing your research ahead of time.
Red Columbian Tetra can be kept with the following fish:
- Black Skirt Tetra
- Serpae Tetra
- Blind Cave Tetra
- Buenos Aires Tetra
- Silver Tip Tetra
- Corydoras Catfish
- Mollies
- Platies
Red Columbian Tetra Predators:
- Neon tetra
- Goldfish
- Cardinal Tetras
- Guppies
- Ember Tetra
Red Columbian Tetra Gender Difference
One of the most noticeable gender differences in this fish is the presence or absence of head tentacles. These head tentacles are much more pronounced in males than females.
This difference is related to reproduction, as the head tentacles may help the male attract a mate.
Red Columbian Tetra Breeding
These fish can breed in the main aquarium, but removing them to the smaller breeding tank when spawning is imminent is best.
This should be dimly illuminated and the foundation covered with a mesh of a large enough grade that eggs can fall through but not big enough for the adults to reach.
In this instance, it’s also possible to use plastic grass-type matting and a layer of glass marbles. Alternatively, filling the tank with a fine-leafed plant such as Taxiphyllum spp or spawning mops may provide decent results.
The water must be slightly acidic to neutral in pH and within the recommended temperature range.
An air-powered sponge filter or air stones should also be used to provide oxygenation and movement.
When the adult fish are appropriately conditioned, a single pair or group of one to two males and numerous females may be introduced to each container and kept there until eggs are discovered (typically the following morning).
Spawning usually occurs in the morning, with the female laying her eggs on plants or other surfaces, and then the male fertilizes them.
In the first five days after fertilization, the fry will not eat and live off their yolk sacs.
After this time, the parents should be removed as they may eat the eggs, then you should offer the fry tiny live foods such as infusoria, rotifers, or micro worms.
As they grow, they can be offered brine shrimp nauplii, daphnia, and bloodworms.
Possible Diseases and Prevention
Unfortunately, like all fish, Columbian Tetras are susceptible to diseases.
One of the most common diseases among freshwater fish is Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis).
Ich is a parasitic infection that causes white spots on the fish’s body.
It is typically spread through contact with infected fish but can also be transmitted through contaminated water.
Symptoms of Ich include lethargy, loss of appetite, and scratching against objects. If left untreated, Ich can be fatal.
Fortunately, Ich is relatively easy to treat. The most common treatment is to raise the water temperature, which speeds up the parasite’s life cycle and makes it more susceptible to chemicals.
Another treatment option is to use a commercial Ich medication.
Another common disease affecting Red Columbians is Finrot (Pseudomonas aeruginosa).
Finrot is a bacterial infection that causes the fins and tail to rot.
It is typically spread through contact with infected fish but can also be transmitted through contaminated water.
Symptoms of Finrot include red or brown lesions on the fins and tail and increased mucus production.
Finrot is relatively easy to treat with antibiotics. However, it is essential to catch the infection early, as it can quickly spread and become fatal.
One of the best ways to prevent disease in Red Columbians (or any fish) is maintaining a clean and healthy aquarium.
This means regular water changes, vacuuming the gravel, and cleaning the filter. It is also essential to quarantine new fish before adding them to your aquarium.
This will help to ensure that any diseases they are carrying are not introduced to your other fish.
Last Words
These beautiful little fish will add excitement to your tank! And they are perfect for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.
We hope you enjoyed this article as much as we did. If you have any questions, please share them with us in the comment section below
