Amapa Tetra (Hyphessobrycon amapaensis)

From the Amapá region of northern Brazil comes one of the aquarium hobby’s more captivating small tetras, the Amapa Tetra (Hyphessobrycon amapaensis). Native specifically to the Rio Preto and Rio Maraca drainage systems, this species embodies the quiet elegance and subtle coloration that make South American characins so appealing to aquarists. The Amapa Tetra’s body glimmers with a refined silver-gold tone that shimmers under aquarium lighting. Along its flanks, a distinctive lateral stripe displays an intricate interplay of brassy-gold, ruby, and black pigments, forming a composite line that extends from the edge of the gill plate to the tip of the tail. This combination of color and sheen gives the fish an almost metallic appearance, a quality that becomes especially pronounced when viewed in a well-planted aquarium under subdued lighting.

In their natural habitat, Amapa Tetras inhabit shallow, slow-moving streams characterized by sandy or gravel substrates. These waterways often weave through open savanna grasslands, where aquatic vegetation and fallen driftwood create pockets of cover. Within these sheltered areas, the tetras gather in loose shoals, moving in coordinated groups that shimmer like liquid light in the dimly filtered waters. Such environments are typically shaded by overhanging vegetation, and the water itself tends to carry a tea-colored tint caused by tannins released from decaying organic matter. These conditions produce soft, acidic water with very low total dissolved solids (TDS), a quality that aquarists often replicate with the use of leaf litter, botanicals, and reverse osmosis filtration. This biotope not only enhances the natural colors of the fish but also supports their overall health and behavior.

In the aquarium, the Amapa Tetra thrives when maintained in similar conditions to those of its native habitat. A well-established tank with plenty of plants, subdued lighting, and areas of driftwood or root structures allows these fish to display their most natural and relaxed behavior. They are peaceful, social fish that should always be kept in groups, where their collective motion and subtle coloration can be appreciated to full effect. While adaptable, they show best coloration and vitality in soft, slightly acidic water maintained at stable, warm tropical temperatures. Due to their small size and calm temperament, they make excellent companions for other gentle species from similar environments. This schooling fish does not ship individually bagged.

Common Name:  Amapa Tetra
Scientific Name:  Hyphessobrycon amapaensis
Country of Import:  Brazil
Prophylactic Treatment:  Erythromycin / Ich-X / Metro
Approximate Current Size:  .85″ – 1.15″
Temp/pH/TDS:  75F / 6.5 pH / 80

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