Hemigrammus coeruleus

6. July 2007

Hemigrammus coeruleus

The tetra, which was meanwhile clearly identified as Hemigrammus coeruleus is one of the most spectacular by-catches of Southamerican tetras. In over 20 years we could only discover approx. 25 of these tetras, mostly single animals among various imports. Inside the dealers tank they do not attract much attention, however: pink stripes on grey ground, no pithy fin marking, the upper half of the iris is coloured orange, the body is rather high backed. This insignificant appearance might also be a reason for this tetra not being imported in bigger quantities until now. But during the courting, which is almost constantly to observe under suitable conditions, their colour changes completely. The males get bright red eyes, a blood red body colour, the stripe, which was pink before glares red, the fins become black and the shoulder spot protrudes clearly. The colouring of the females is mostly a little less intensive developed. Certainly the ones, which are willing to spawn are not less beautiful than the males. Meanwhile it was finally possible to breed this tetra. So we hope to find this beautiful, robust and peaceful tetra (full-grown approx. 55-60mm in total) more often in the Aquaristik in future. In about 8 weeks from now, Aquarium Glaserwill get a limited quantity!(Photo & Text von P.&M.Hoffmann)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Brasilien, Solimões, Rio Negro