Hyphessobrycon Myrmex “Fire Ant Tetra”

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

• Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons (75 liters) is recommended for a small group, as they are active swimmers.
• 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.
• Substrate and Decorations: Fine sand or small gravel substrate with plenty of driftwood, rocks, and live plants. They appreciate densely planted areas for cover.
• Open Swimming Space: Leave some open swimming areas as they are active mid-level swimmers.

2. Water Parameters

• Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
• pH: 5.5–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral is ideal)
• Hardness: 2–12 dGH
• Filtration: Use a reliable filter that provides gentle water flow, as they come from slow-moving streams.
• Water Changes: Perform weekly water changes of 25–30% to maintain pristine water conditions.

3. Diet

• 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

• 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

• 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.
• 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

• 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

• Quarantine New Fish: To prevent introducing diseases, always quarantine new fish before adding them to your tank.
• Observe Behavior: Monitor for signs of stress, illness, or unusual behavior, such as clamped fins or loss of appetite.
• 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.