Firehead Tetra

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Scientific Name

Hemigrammus bleheri

Min. Tank Size

25 gallons

Personality

Peaceful

Temperature

74-79°F

pH

5.5-7.0/2-15°dGH

Size

2"

Diet

Omnivore

Breeding

Egglayer

Compatibility

Choose tankmates of similar personality such as the more peaceful varieties of Tetras, Danios, Rasboras and Livebearers. Corydoras and smaller Bristlenose Catfish will be fine as well. Some aquarists even keep a shoal in their Discus tank with great success as the water requirements for both species are very similar. Stay away from rowdy and aggressive tankmates as the Firehead will not fare well.

Firehead Tetra

The Firehead Tetra originates from the Rio Negro and Rio Meta basins in Brazil and Colombia where it inhabits blackwater creeks and tributaries that are acidic and stained brown from the resulting tannins of decaying organic matter. The scientific name of this species is Hemigrammus bleheri, which is worth noting since this species is commonly sold in local fish stores as the Rummynose Tetra – whose scientific name is Hemigrammus rhodostomus.

Tank Set-Up

The Firehead Tetra does best in a tank were the water is acidic. Since aquatic plants aren’t necessarily found in abundance in its natural habitat, a simple biotope tank could consist of some driftwood, sandy substrate, and almond or oak leaves to stain the water a weak-tea color. It is recommended to change out the leaves every two weeks or so, along with weekly partial water changes to maintain water quality. Under less than optimum conditions, this species will not display its best colors. The Firehead Tetra will also do well in a planted tank provided that weekly partial water changes are the norm. This species swims in a tighter shoal than most other Tetras, and should therefore be bought in groups of no less than six. Purchasing 10 or more won’t give you buyers remorse as you’ll soon see a dazzling display of their shoaling behavior!

Feeding

The Firehead Tetra is not a fussy eater and will except just about anything offered. However, this isn’t a “green light” to feed a cheap low-quality food. Feed the Firehead Tetra a staple diet of high-quality pellets or flakes. Supplement the staple diet several times a week with live and/or frozen foods such as Daphnia, bloodworms, brine shrimp, etc. It’s best to feed a varied diet of high-quality foods on a regular basis to ensure optimum health and coloration.

Breeding

A separate breeding tank is recommended and should contain Java moss, a spawning mop, or fine-leaved plants to provide a place for the eggs to be deposited. The water should be slightly acidic and the lighting should be dim since it’s reported that the eggs and fry are light sensitive in the early stages of life. Immediately after spawning, remove the adults to prevent them from eating the eggs.