Red Blue Colombian Tetra (Hyphessobrycon columbianus)
Country of Origin: 🇺🇸USARed Blue Columbian Tetra
General Background
The Red and Blue Columbian Tetra derives its name from its bright red tail and reflective body. It is native to the Caribbean coast of northern Colombia and thrives in small streams in the Acanti River basin. This habitat features heavy vegetation and tree roots that provide good cover for the fish.
The Red and Blue Columbian Tetra are active swimmers with large eyes and a healthy set of teeth, making them good at catching prey and escaping from larger fish that would want to eat them.
It can be challenging to differentiate between male and female Columbian Tetras. However, females usually appear somewhat thicker when swollen with eggs.
These fish look amazing in tanks full of live aquarium plants. A planted aquarium of not less than 20 gallons would make an ideal environment for them. Rocks and driftwood help recreate their natural habitat and relieve stress on the fish.
Tankmates
The Red and Blue Columbian Tetra is among the most aggressive Tetra fish species, so they can get along with aggressive, nippy, but active Tetras such as Blind Cave Tetras and Serpae Tetras. You can also keep them with Mollies, Corydoras, Swordtails, Plecostomus, Zebra Danio, Platies, and Silver Hatchets.
However, you should keep them away from smaller Tetras and other small-sized fish, as they often bully small and defenseless fish. Occasionally, you may see them chasing other tank mates and nipping their fins. Therefore, you should also avoid keeping them with slower fish with flowing fins like fancy guppies.
Feeds
Red and Blue Columbian Tetras are omnivores and not picky on food. They will accept various small foods, including brine shrimp or Daphnia, micro pellet food, freeze-dried blood worms and tubifex, and quality flake food. To promote their colors, it’s best to feed them a balanced diet, such as frozen blood worms and quality flakes. Avoid providing them only flaked foods.
FAQs
How many Red and Blue Columbian Tetras can I keep together?
You can keep Red and Blue Columbian Tetras in a group of at least six. A 15- to 20-gallon planted aquarium is ideal. You can include them in a same-species-aquarium.
What fish can live with the Red and Blue Columbian Tetra?
Since they are aggressive, you need to keep them with other aggressive Tetras. Avoid keeping them with small, non-aggressive fish to prevent them from being bullied.
DOA Policy
While this is a rare occurrence, it can and will happen from time to time. Fish are live animals and we cannot ensure that every one will arrive alive or remain alive. We do ask that if your fish arrives dead (DOA), submit a picture of the deceased fish that is in the bag within 2 hours of the delivery time of your fish. We will work quickly with you to resolve the problem.
We will offer replacement fish for any losses, but do not offer refunds at this time. We can replace fish but shipping costs is the responsibilityof the buyer. If you put the fish in your tank and it dies or is not acting properly, please contact us, with pictures,within 24 hours. We will again, do everything in our power to resolve the issue and ensure that you have a great experience with these fish.
Shipping Policy
Most Shipments will be UPS Next Day Air unless otherwise noted. Processing fish for your order can take up to 2 business days. This is to ensure your fish and healthy, happy, and ready to be put in your tank when it arrives. We ship fish on Mondays- Wednesday (excluding holidays) to ensure fish arrive before weekends. This allows us to completely prepare the fish for shipping and ensure they are healthy prior to arrive at your door. All fish will be shipped with oxygenated water and specific additives in the water to ensure they maintain their health and stability during shipment. Depending on the species of fish and current weather conditions, the fish may arrive with a heat pack or ice pack to maintain the optimal temperature which further ensures the health and safety of your fish. All costs of shipping (postage, packaging,heat/ice packs, etc.) are included in the Shipping fee. We ship to only the continental United States.
FAQ
"The fish I received do not look like the fish in thepicture. Why is this?"
- We typically take photographs of one or two fish when we initially get them in. Since we have a large quantity of most of the various species of fish, it would be understandably impossible to provide a picture ofevery individual fish with a specific species. For some of our more rare orlarger fish, the picture listed may be the actual fish that you are receiving.If this is the case, it will be designated by ?WYSIWYG?, meaning ?what you see,is what you get?.
"What happens if my fish arrive dead?"
- While this is a rare occurrence, it can and willhappen from time to time. Fish are live animals and we cannot ensure that everyone will arrive alive or remain alive. We do ask that if your fisharrives dead (DOA), submit a picture of the deceased fish that is in the bag.We will work quickly with you to resolve the problem. We will offer replacement fish for any losses, but do not offer refunds at this time. We will reship any replacement fish at the buyer's expense. If you put the fish in your tank and it dies or is not acting properly, please contact us, with pictures, within 24 hours. We will again, do everything in our power to resolvethe issue and ensure that you have a great experience with these fish.
"What if I'm not home when the fish arrive?"
- We will always provide you with a tracking number. While the fish are packaged to survive about 72+ hours within the shipping containers, we do ask that you make arrangements to arrive home to inspect your fish as soon as possible after they are delivered to your home. Itis always suggested to provide an area for the delivery person to place the boxthat is out of direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
"What do I do with my fish once I've unpacked them?"
- Like you would with any new fish, let the entire bag float in your tank for 15-30 minutes. This allows the temperature withinthe bag to adjust to the same as your tank and will reduce temperature shock onthe fish. After this time, you can add all of the fish and water that is in thebag into your tank. The products used within the water for shipping will notharm any existing fish within your tank and actually makes the transition foryour new fish a bit easier. After this, expect your new fish to take a few daysto become fully adjusted, this includes hiding, floating at the top, sinking tothe bottom, and not eating. After a few days, your new fish should be acting aswimming like they normally would. At this point, enjoy your aquarium!
"I want to return my new fish because x,y,z?"
- Unfortunately, we are unable to accept returns.We do recommend contacting us via email with yourorder number and as much information as possible. We will try to assist you inresolving whatever the issue may be.