Kitty tetra

Fish Profile: Kitty Tetra

• Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon heliacus
• Common Name: Kitty Tetra
• Adult Size: 2.5 – 3.5 cm (about 1 – 1.4 inches)
• Life Expectancy: 3 – 5 years
• Habitat: Slow-moving rivers and floodplain areas in South America, especially in the Amazon basin. Prefers areas with dense vegetation and subdued lighting.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons (larger if kept in a school)
• Ideal Temperature: 23°C – 27°C (73°F – 81°F)
• pH Range: 6.0 – 7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2 – 12 dGH)

• Temperament: Peaceful; best kept in groups of 6 or more. Does well in community tanks with other peaceful species.

Diet & Nutrition

• Diet: Omnivorous
• Preferred Foods: High-quality micro-pellets, flakes, frozen or live foods like daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms.
• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily, only what they can consume in a couple of minutes.

Breeding & Spawning

• Breeding Difficulty: Moderate
• Spawning Behavior: Egg scatterers; no parental care.
• Breeding Tips: Provide a separate breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water, dense plant cover or spawning mops, and low lighting. Condition with protein-rich foods. Remove adults after spawning to prevent egg predation. Eggs hatch in about 24–36 hours.

Appearance

• Coloration:
  • Translucent golden body with a slight pink or yellowish hue.
  • A subtle dark lateral stripe and delicate reflective sheen.
  • Fins are mostly transparent with slight pigmentation.

Distinctive Features

• Elegant, shimmering appearance with a slender, torpedo-shaped body.
• Peaceful schooling behavior makes them a lively and attractive addition to planted community tanks.
• Closely related in behavior and appearance to other Hyphessobrycon species like the ember tetra or glowlight tetra, but with more subdued hues.