Hyphessobrycon sp “Red Cherry” wild

Hyphessobrycon muzel (Cherry Red Tetra) (commonly known as Muzel's tetra) is a species of tetra that requires specific care conditions to thrive. Below are some general care tips for keeping this fish in an aquarium:

Tank Setup

1. Tank Size:

   • A 20-gallon tank or larger is recommended for a small school of Hyphessobrycon muzel.

2. Water Conditions:

   • Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
   • pH: 5.5–7.5 (soft, slightly acidic to neutral water preferred)
   • Hardness: 5–12 dGH

3. Filtration:

   • Use a gentle filter that does not create strong currents, as they prefer calm waters.

4. Substrate and Decor:

   • A dark substrate can help mimic their natural habitat and bring out their colors.
   • Add driftwood, leaf litter, and live plants to create hiding spaces and replicate a natural environment.

5. Lighting:

   • Moderate lighting is sufficient. Too bright lighting may stress them.

Diet

• Hyphessobrycon muzel is omnivorous. A varied diet is best to ensure health:
  • Staple Food: High-quality flake or micro pellet food.
  • Live/Frozen Food: Daphnia, brine shrimp, or bloodworms.
  • Vegetable Matter: Blanched spinach or spirulina-based food.

Social Behavior

• These are peaceful schooling fish that do best in groups of at least 6–8 individuals.
• Avoid keeping them with aggressive tankmates. Good companions include other peaceful tetras, rasboras, and small catfish species.

Maintenance

• Perform regular water changes (20–30% weekly) to maintain water quality.
• Test water parameters frequently, as they are sensitive to changes in water chemistry.

Breeding

• Breeding in home aquariums is possible but requires effort:
  1. Separate Breeding Tank: Use a small tank with a mesh or spawning mat at the bottom to protect the eggs from being eaten.
  2. Conditioning: Feed the pair with live or frozen food to encourage spawning.
  3. Soft Water: Lower hardness and pH slightly.
  4. Eggs and Fry: Remove adults after spawning; fry will hatch in 24–36 hours and can be fed infusoria or powdered fry food.