
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Hyphessobrycon columbianus
A medium-sized characin with a blue-silver sheen along the back and red caudal and anal fins. It grows larger and swims more powerfully than its small congeners, so it wants a long tank. Peaceful and hardy.
Hyphessobrycon columbianus is a characin from the Acandi River basin in the Darien region of north-western Colombia, described only in 2002 by Zarske and Gery. FishBase gives 7.0cm TL and records it from small creeks, while Seriously Fish gives 6.5cm SL, 20-28C, pH 5.0-7.5, 1-10 dGH and a base of at least 90 by 30cm, about 81 litres. The back and upper flanks carry a blue-tinged silver sheen while the caudal and anal fins are red, and that contrast is what the trade names refer to. It is peaceful and shoaling, and a mixed-sex group of eight to ten or more shows it at its best. It is larger and a stronger swimmer than the smaller tetras, so a long tank with room to cruise suits it.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Colombian Tetra lives 3-5 years.
The Colombian Tetra grows to About 6.5-7cm.
The ideal temperature for the Colombian Tetra is 20〜28℃.
Origin
South America (Acandi River basin, Colombia)
Lifespan
3-5 years
Size
About 6.5-7cm
Sources: Seriously Fish / FishBase
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Temperature
20〜28℃
Dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Daphnia
Seriously Fish suggests a base of at least 90 by 30cm, about 81 litres. It is a strong swimmer, so choose a long tank, leave open water through the middle and frame it with wood and plants.
Seriously Fish gives 20-28C, pH 5.0-7.5 and 1-10 dGH. FishBase records no pH or temperature figures for this species. It is adaptable, but keeping hardness on the low side is safer.
Peaceful and suited to similarly sized characins, catfishes and non-predatory medium cichlids. It is bigger and livelier than the small tetras, so avoid very small or slow-moving tank mates.
An omnivore that takes dried food readily. Frozen bloodworm, Daphnia and brine shrimp improve the colour. Its mouth is reasonably large, so granules are no problem.
An egg-scattering free spawner with no parental care. Use a dimly lit separate tank with fine-leaved plants or a mesh base and remove the adults straight after spawning. In good condition a few fry may appear in the main tank.
FishBase lists it as IUCN Data Deficient, not on the CITES appendices and harmless to people. It was only described in 2002 and is known from the Acandi basin alone, so there is little basis for assessing wild stocks. Before it was described it was misidentified as Hyphessobrycon ecuadorensis, and it circulates under several trade names including blue flame tetra and Colombian red fin, so the same fish can appear under different labels.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Colombian Tetra is 20〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Colombian Tetra is 3-5 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Colombian Tetra typically reaches About 6.5-7cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Colombian Tetra feeds on: Dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Daphnia. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Colombian Tetra varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026