Hyphessobrycon myrmex, commonly known as the Fire Ant Tetra, is a small, attractive, and relatively easy-to-care-for freshwater fish. Below are some tips to help you keep them healthy and thriving in your aquarium:
1. Tank Setup
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Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons (75 liters) is recommended for a small group, as they are active swimmers.
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Schooling Behavior: Fire Ant Tetras are social fish and should be kept in groups of at least 6-10 to minimize stress and promote natural behavior.
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Substrate and Decorations: Fine sand or small gravel substrate with plenty of driftwood, rocks, and live plants. They appreciate densely planted areas for cover.
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Open Swimming Space: Leave some open swimming areas as they are active mid-level swimmers.
2. Water Parameters
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Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
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pH: 5.5–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral is ideal)
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Hardness: 2–12 dGH
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Filtration: Use a reliable filter that provides gentle water flow, as they come from slow-moving streams.
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Water Changes: Perform weekly water changes of 25–30% to maintain pristine water conditions.
3. Diet
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Omnivorous Diet: Feed a varied diet to meet their nutritional needs:
- High-quality flakes or micro-pellets as a staple
- Frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms
- Finely chopped vegetables like spinach or zucchini occasionally
- Feed 1-2 times daily, providing only as much food as they can consume in a few minutes.
4. Tankmates
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Peaceful Species: Suitable tankmates include other small, peaceful fish such as:
- Neon Tetras
- Harlequin Rasboras
- Corydoras catfish
- Small dwarf cichlids like Apistogramma
- Avoid large, aggressive fish that might harass or eat them.
5. Behavior and Breeding
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Behavior: Fire Ant Tetras are generally peaceful but can show minor fin-nipping tendencies if kept in small groups. A proper school helps minimize aggression.
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Breeding: Breeding them in captivity is possible:
- Provide a separate breeding tank with soft, acidic water and fine-leaved plants or a spawning mop.
- Condition the fish with live and high-protein foods.
- Eggs will scatter among the plants; remove adults after spawning to prevent egg predation.
6. Lighting
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Moderate Lighting: They do not require intense lighting. Diffused light through floating plants can help replicate their natural habitat and make them feel secure.
7. Disease Prevention
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Quarantine New Fish: To prevent introducing diseases, always quarantine new fish before adding them to your tank.
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Observe Behavior: Monitor for signs of stress, illness, or unusual behavior, such as clamped fins or loss of appetite.
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Stable Conditions: Maintain stable water conditions to avoid stress-related diseases.
With proper care, Fire Ant Tetras can live for 3–5 years and add vibrant color and lively activity to your aquarium.
