The Hyphessobrycon peugeoti, commonly known as the Peugeot tetra, is a small freshwater fish native to South America. Here are its care requirements:
1. Tank Setup
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Tank Size: Minimum of 20 gallons for a small school (6+ fish).
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Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)
- pH: 5.5–7.5
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (1–12 dGH)
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Substrate: Sandy or fine gravel substrate.
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Decor:
- Include driftwood, live plants (e.g., Java fern, Amazon sword, or mosses), and leaf litter for a natural look.
- Provide shaded areas and hiding spots to mimic their natural environment.
2. Diet
- Omnivorous; they thrive on a varied diet.
- Foods to offer:
- High-quality flake or pellet food.
- Frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
- Vegetable matter, such as spirulina flakes or blanched vegetables.
3. Behavior and Tankmates
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Schooling Fish: Keep in groups of at least 6 to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior.
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Compatibility:
- Peaceful species that do well with other small, non-aggressive fish like tetras, rasboras, and corydoras.
- Avoid aggressive or overly large tankmates.
4. Breeding
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Spawning Conditions:
- Slightly acidic, soft water (pH 5.5–6.5).
- Increase temperature slightly (26–28°C / 78–82°F).
- Provide fine-leaved plants or spawning mops for egg-laying.
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Egg Care:
- Adults may eat the eggs, so remove them post-spawning or use a breeding tank.
- Eggs hatch in about 24–36 hours, and fry become free-swimming after 3–5 days.
5. General Care Notes
- Perform regular water changes (25–50% weekly) to maintain high water quality.
- They prefer subdued lighting, which can be achieved with floating plants.
Maintaining stable water parameters and a stress-free environment is essential for their health and longevity.
