Blueberry Tetra - Hyphessobrycon wadai : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Blueberry Tetra (Hyphessobrycon wadai) is a recent addition to the realm of aquarium fish, having been officially described in 2016. Despite its relatively recent recognition, it belongs to a well-established genus encompassing numerous popular species. These fish bear the namesake of Brazilian aquarist Luiz Wada and have gained popularity even though they have been available in captivity for several years. Presently, tank-bred specimens have become the standard in the trade and have been readily accessible for a considerable period.
Blueberry Tetras exhibit a peaceful temperament, rendering them excellent inhabitants of well-planted community aquariums. They generally coexist harmoniously with a wide range of fish species. Moreover, these Tetras possess a commendable level of hardiness, making them particularly suitable for novice aquarists. Given their sociable nature and schooling behaviour, it is crucial to maintain Blueberry Tetras in groups consisting of at least six individuals alongside other schooling fish. Doing so provides a sense of security and results in a more authentic and natural display within the aquarium. On occasion, minor disagreements may arise among the group members. However, as long as the aquarium is spacious and offers ample hiding places or visual barriers for retreat, no significant harm should occur.
Blueberry Tetras can be housed alongside similarly sized fish exhibiting a peaceful temperament. Suitable tankmates may include other small Tetras, Pencilfish, Hatchetfish, non-predatory small to medium-sized Cichlids, Corydoras Catfish, and small Loricariids. However, it is important to note that these Tetras may not fare well when placed with more boisterous or significantly larger tankmates.
In adulthood, Blueberry Tetras showcase captivating physical features, characterized by a purple-blue body and orange fins. Typically, an orange lateral line, a hint of red in the eyes, and soft white tips on the unpaired fins are observed. Furthermore, a single humeral blotch, denoting a dot located on the shoulder region behind the gills and above the pectoral fins, is a distinctive characteristic of this species. The pigmentation extends throughout the body, encompassing the tail fin, while the absence of a caudal peduncle blotch further distinguishes these Tetras. Their beautiful colouration, which can vary between shades of blue and purple depending on the lighting conditions, accounts for their aptly given name, Blueberry Tetras.
Blueberry Tetra Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between the male and female Blueberry Tetra is a straightforward task. Generally, males exhibit a more slender physique and display vibrant colouration compared to females. Conversely, females tend to have a stockier body structure with slightly higher bodies. Additionally, the colouration of females is notably duller in comparison to the vivid hues exhibited by males.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Hyphessobrycon wadai |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 2016 |
| Other Names | None |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Characiformes |
| Family | Characidae |
| Genus | Hyphessobrycon |
| Origins | Brazil |
| Max Size | 2.5 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 5.5 - 7.0 |
| GH | 1 - 6 |
| KH | 1 - 2 |
| ℉ | 68 - 79 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 20 - 26 |
Natural Habitat
Blueberry Tetras originate from the Rio Tapajos region in South America and have gained popularity thanks to the efforts of Brazilian aqua scapers and breeders. Given their natural habitat in streams with consistent water flow, maintaining adequate water movement is essential when housing these Tetras in an aquarium setting.
Interestingly, although Blueberry Tetras are not commonly found in heavily vegetated areas in the wild, they do appreciate the presence of live plants and hardscape elements within the aquarium. These additions provide both visual appeal and essential hiding places for the fish. Notably, their natural environment consists of a sandy substrate, which could be replicated when setting up their aquarium.
Breeding
The breeding process for Blueberry Tetras closely resembles that of other species within the same genus. To successfully raise fry, setting up a separate tank specifically for breeding is recommended. This breeding tank should have subdued lighting and include clusters of fine-leaved plants, such as java moss or a dedicated spawning mop, which serve as a suitable substrate for the fish to deposit their eggs. Alternatively, the tank's base can be covered with mesh to provide a suitable spawning surface. The water conditions in the breeding tank should be soft, slightly acidic, and maintained at a slightly elevated temperature compared to usual conditions. Utilizing reverse osmosis (RO) water and employing peat filtration are effective methods to achieve the desired water parameters. When it comes to filtration, a small sponge filter that generates gentle bubbling is sufficient.
A group of around six specimens of each sex is recommended for optimal spawning success. Providing an abundance of live food greatly facilitates the breeding process for these Tetras. Additionally, spawning can be achieved by pairing individual males and females. This approach involves conditioning the males and females separately in dedicated tanks until the females are visibly full of eggs and the males display their most vibrant colours. Subsequently, select the fattest female and the male with the most appealing colouration and transfer them to the spawning tank at dusk. The spawning process should commence the following morning. As adults may consume the eggs if given the opportunity, it is essential to promptly remove them once they are observed.
The hatching of the eggs typically occurs within a 24 to 36-hour timeframe, followed by the fry becoming free-swimming within 3 to 4 days. During the initial stages of their development, the eggs and fry are sensitive to light. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain the breeding tank in darkness. Feeding the fry with an infusoria-type food during the first few days is recommended until they reach a size where they can accept microworms or baby brine shrimp.
Diet & Feeding
When kept in a home aquarium, the Blueberry Tetra readily accepts a diverse range of high-quality dried foods, including granules, flakes, and sinking pellets. These modern food formulations have been specifically developed to meet the nutritional requirements essential for maintaining the health and well-being of these fish. Supplementing their diet with occasional servings of live, frozen, or freeze-dried meals such as bloodworms, daphnia, and tubifex once or twice a week can provide additional benefits to their overall health and vitality, although it is not obligatory for this species.
It is important to note that bloodworms should be offered as an intermittent treat rather than constituting the primary staple diet. This is because bloodworms can be challenging for fish to digest and may potentially lead to blockages. Therefore, moderation is key when incorporating them into the feeding regimen. As omnivores in the wild, Blueberry Tetras consume some vegetable matter. While many modern fish foods already include plant-based ingredients, you can further supplement their diet by offering blanched vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and zucchini. Care should be taken to avoid overfeeding, and any uneaten food should be promptly removed the following day to maintain water quality and prevent potential health issues.
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