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Ornate tetraBentos Tetra ~ White Tip TetraFamily: Characidae Hyphessobrycon bentosiPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Ken ChildsBe the first to add a comment! The pretty Ornate Tetra has earned its place in the community or biotope aquarium with its startling coloration and pleasant disposition!Ornate Tetra Contents The Ornate Tetra, also known as the Bentos Tetra or White Tip Tetra, has the typical body outline of the larger tetras like the Bleeding Heart Tetra. It is relatively hardy and easy to care for with needs similar to its close cousin the Rosy Tetra, Hyphessobrycon rosaceus. This little fish will reward the hobbyist with hours of entertainment as it moves about the aquarium in a dignified but energetic fashion. Multiple companions are a must for this little fish with six being the generally accepted minimum. Although the Ornate Tetra has schooling tendency it will usually only school tightly if it feels a need, like when there are large tank mates or water disturbances. This tetra hates nothing more than unruly tank mates. Like many fish the Ornate Tetra will appreciate a planted tank. Although it prefers softer and acidic water, many tank bred specimens have spent their lives otherwise and will adapt. Wild caught specimens on the other hand will do miserably in sub-optimal conditions. A good aquatic dealer will be happy to tell you whether their stock are wild caught or tank bred fish. For more Information on keeping this fish see: |
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Habitat: Distribution / Background
The Ornate Tetra, also known as the Bentos Tetra or White Tip Tetra, was described by Durbin in 1908. They are found in the creeks that branch off of the Amazon River of South America.
- Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon bentosi
- Social Grouping: Groups
- IUCN Red List: NE - Not Evaluated or not listed
The Ornate Tetra, sometimes referred to as the Bentos Tetra or White Tip Tetra, is a deeper bodied fish with a body shape typical of some of the larger tetras such as the Bleeding Heart Tetra. Its coloration and appearance is very similar to its close relative, the Rosy Tetra, with the differences being quite subtle. Both of these fish have a pink to deep salmon body color, though the Ornate Tetra will often appear more transparent. Both species also have darker red markings on their fins. The Ornate Tetra will have a faint grayish 'shoulder patch' which is absent on the Rosy Tetra.
These two tetras show subtle differences in their fin coloration. The Ornate Tetra will have white markings on their dorsal and pelvic fin extensions, thus the term 'white 'tip'. The Rosy Tetra will have a black marking or 'flag' on its dorsal fin extension, and will sometimes (but not always) have white tips to the fins. But to all rules there are exceptions, and even an occasional Ornate Tetra will have the black 'flag' type marking on its dorsal fin as well.
- Maximum Size: 3.0 inches (7.62 cm) - This fish will generally reach about 2 inches (5 cm) in the home aquarium, though occasionally up to 3 inches (7.5 cm).
- Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately hardy
- Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate
Since they are omnivorous the Ornate Tetra should be given a nicely varied diet. They have fairly high vitamin requirements, so quality flake foods should make up about 60-80% of their diet. They love to chase after live foods and may occasionally nibble on plants or algae.
These fish are fairly hardy and a school of six will do best in about a 20 gallon aquarium. The aquarium should be heavily planted around the sides and back and have plenty of open water for swimming in the front. A few hiding places would be appreciated. Woodwork and floating plants will make them feel comfortable.
- Diet Type: Omnivore
- Flake Food: Yes
- Tablet Pellet: Yes
- Live foods (fishes, shrimps, worms): Some of Diet
- Vegetable Food: Some of Diet
- Meaty Food: Some of Diet
- Feeding Frequency: Several feedings per day
- Water Changes: Bi-weekly
- Minimum Tank Size: 15 gal (57 L)
- Substrate Type: Any
- Lighting Needs: Low - subdued lighting
- Temperature: 73.0 - 82.0° F (22.8 - 27.8° C)
- Range ph: 6.6-7.8 - If the specimens are wild caught, they should be kept within the range of 6.6-7.2.
- Hardness Range: 3 - 12 dGH
- Brackish: No
- Water Movement: Weak
- Water Region: All - The Ornate Tetra will inhabit all areas of the aquarium, but usually will spend a good deal of their time in the upper or middle or regions.
In a well thought out aquarium, no behavioral issues will occur. In the wild, the Ornate Tetras can be found in schools of 50+ individuals. Six is generally accepted as the minimum number to be housed together. This fish will happily school with its relatives (Rosy Tetra, Black Widow Tetra, White Skirt Tetra, Bleeding Heart Tetra, etc).
Rowdy neighbors will bring out the worst in them, so keep with peaceful and non-fin nipping fish. They will be startled by loud sounds or excessive movement outside the tank, so keep in an appropriately placed tank.
- Venomous: No
- Temperament: Peaceful - This fish should never be housed with boisterous tankmates. It must be housed in a school of its own kind or closely related fish.
- Same species - conspecifics: Yes
- Peaceful fish (): Safe
- Semi-Aggressive (): Threat
- Shrimps, Crabs, Snails: Safe - not aggressive
- Plants: Safe
The males will have longer fins and females will be shorter and plumper.
Breeding the Ornate Tetra is a tricky but rewarding process. The pair should be isolated, ideally in a separate tank. The pair will distribute eggs on fine leaved plans. The parents should be removed right away. The fry will be free swimming after approximately five days. The tank's water should be changed frequently and care must be taken that no fry are lost in this process. The fry are fairly slow to reach maturity, and ought to be kept isolated until they are too large to be eaten. See a general description of how to breed these fish in Breeding Freshwater Fish and Fish Food for Fry for more information.
- Ease of Breeding: Difficult - A seperate breeding tank is required. The breeding pair will spawn on vegetation and should be removed thereafter.
The Ornate Tetra, also known as the Bentos Tetra or White Tip Tetra, is often upstaged by its close cousin the Rosy Tetra. Some fish stores will carry it, but often sporadically as special offers. It is also rarely available online. Cost is around $1 - $5 USD per individual.
Animal-World References
Freshwater Fish and Plants
Tropical Fish ~ Freshwater Fish ~ Aquatic Plants
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