Purple Rio Metae Tetra (Hyphessobrycon metae)

Hailing from the Orinoco watershed in Colombia and Venezuela, the Purple Rio Metae Tetra (Hyphessobrycon metae) is a delicate gem among South American characins. These fish drift through soft, slow-moving waters that shimmer in filtered light, their pale violet sheen blending with the silvery tones of their kin. Though widespread throughout the basin, they remain a rare sight in the aquarium trade because their subtle coloration and migratory habits make them difficult to capture. Each specimen carries a hint of that elusive wilderness, a living echo of the rivers that shape their native landscape.

In the aquarium, the Purple Rio Metae Tetra reveals its beauty through subtlety rather than flash. Its gentle blue and lavender hues shimmer just beneath the surface, lending a tranquil glow that enhances planted aquascapes and calm community setups. These tetras thrive under soft, diffuse lighting that mimics the dappled sunlight of their natural home, and they display their most natural behavior when surrounded by lush vegetation. Peaceful and shy by nature, they are at their best in groups where they can school and explore together in quiet confidence.

Ideal for nano or midsized aquariums, these tetras ask for little more than good water quality and a safe, serene environment. They coexist harmoniously with other gentle species, making them perfect companions for a balanced community tank. Because they are schooling fish, they should always be kept in groups of six or more to ensure comfort and natural interaction. When shipped, they are bagged together in small groups rather than individually, as this minimizes stress and reflects their social tendency to remain close to one another.

Common Name:  Purple Rio Metae Tetra
Scientific Name:  Hyphessobrycon metae
Country of Import:  Colombia
Prophylactic Treatment:  Erythromycin / Ich-X / Metro
Approximate Current Size:  1.10″ – 1.25″
Temp/pH/TDS:  75F / 6.5 pH / 74

Please be aware that all fish are sold on a BUY THIS WEEK, SHIP NEXT WEEK basis, and fish are shipped only on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Weekly shipping cutoff is EVERY SATURDAY at 12 Noon Pacific US Time. All fish are shipped via Overnight Air/Next Day Air. Minimum order is $50.00 (excluding shipping) and all orders to the lower 48 US States qualify for FLAT RATE $60.00 shipping via Overnight Air/Next Day Air. Hawaii and Alaska State Residents: Please contact us if you would like to purchase Live Animals for delivery.

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