Head and Tail Light Tetra (Beacon Fish) Species Profile

Origin and Distribution

Hemigrammus ocellifer originates in South America, the place it may be present in quite a few areas alongside the Amazon River and within the Orinoco river basin, in addition to alongside the coast of Guyana. Favoring the slow-moving rivers and streams, it may be present in Argentina, Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, and Suriname. Wild-caught specimens are hardly ever offered within the aquarium commerce, as most are actually captive-bred for industrial sale.

Their scientific identify comes from the Greek Hemmigrammus that means “half-line,” which refers to an incomplete lateral line, and ocellifer, which suggests “eye bearing,” a reference to the reflective spots or “eyes” on the pinnacle and tail of the fish. First described as Tetragonopterus ocellifer, this species was later moved to the Hemigrammus genus. 

Colours and Markings

Adults attain a size of roughly two inches (5 centimeters). The physique of this fish is iridescent silver in shade and, like many different tetras, is oval in form. Seen from above, the physique is compressed, and males are thinner than their feminine counterparts. The higher rim of the attention is edged in sensible purple, showing just like the redeye tetra. The physique and fins are considerably translucent, and on some specimens, a advantageous black line runs from mid-body to the spot on the tail fin.

Head and tail gentle tetras are named for 2 coppery coloured reflective spots that resemble automotive lights. One is situated on the base of the tail and the opposite is close to the pinnacle subsequent to the gill cowl. These reflective patches are coupled with a black spot. The inheritance of this recognizing sample is of specific curiosity, because it most likely serves as a misleading “eyespot,” mimicking the reflective purple shade of the retina of the fish’s eye. 

Hemigrammus ocellifer falsus, has been named as a potential subspecies of this fish. It’s extra slender and has the “taillight” spot, however lacks the spot behind the gill cowl.

Tankmates

Head and tail gentle tetras do greatest in colleges of a half dozen or extra and might be stored with different peaceable fish, notably different members of the tetra household. Barbs, danios, rasboras, and different small to medium-sized peaceable fish are additionally good companions. Small loaches, catfish, dwarf cichlids, and the smaller gouramis are additionally appropriate.

To keep away from are fish which might be giant sufficient to eat tetras. Additionally be aware that head and tail gentle tetras could nip on the fins of slow-moving, long-finned species akin to angelfish and bettas.

Head and Tail Mild Tetra Habitat and Care

To see this little tetra shine, arrange a biotope tank with actual or synthetic crops. Floating or tall crops that attain the highest of the tank present shade and are notably fascinating, as this fish prefers shady spots. 

Use river sand or a darker substrate, which can add to the subdued décor. Add a number of driftwood branches and twisted roots. A couple of handfuls of dried leaves (beech or oak leaves are appropriate) would full the pure really feel. Permit the wooden and leaves to stain the water the colour of weak tea. Take away the previous leaves and changing them each few weeks so that they don’t rot and foul the water.

Add a small web bag stuffed with aquarium-safe peat to the filter to help within the simulation of black water circumstances. Go away some open swimming area within the center to finish the best tank association.

Head and Tail Mild Tetra Eating regimen and Feeding

Omnivorous in nature, the pinnacle and tail gentle tetra will eat most meals, but it surely is not going to nibble on reside crops. Present a superb number of flake meals together with freeze-dried or frozen reside meals, akin to brine shrimp, bloodworms, and small bugs. They may eat advantageous pelleted meals as effectively. Solely reside meals ought to be used when conditioning earlier than breeding.

Gender Variations

Females are rounder and plumper than males, notably when considered from above. The inner swim bladder within the male is pointed and extra seen than the rounded swim bladder within the feminine. Since this fish is translucent, it’s potential to view the swim bladder by candling over a powerful gentle.

Breeding the Head and Tail Mild Tetra 

An egg-layer, this species of tetra is comparatively straightforward to breed. The tank ought to be fitted with loads of crops on which the breeder pair will lay their eggs. Lighting ought to be dim. Water within the aquarium ought to be gentle, temperature 80 F (26 C), and with a barely acidic pH within the vary of 6.0 to six.5.

Situation the breeder pair with reside meals for every week or two. Bloodworms and brine shrimp are good decisions, and frozen meals could also be used if reside meals just isn’t out there. Because the spawning time approaches, the stomach of the feminine will swell noticeably with eggs. Spawning usually happens within the morning, with as much as 1,000 eggs being laid over the course of the day.

As soon as the eggs are laid, take away the mother and father promptly; in any other case, they are going to eat the eggs and younger fry. The eggs will hatch in 24 hours, and the fry turn out to be free-swimming inside one other two days. Throughout this time, be certain the lighting continues to be very subdued. If the room is brightly lit, it’s sensible to drape the tank to scale back gentle. Feed the fry commercially ready fry meals, egg yolk, or Infusoria. Inside a number of days, freshly hatched brine shrimp will also be fed to the fry.

Extra Pet Fish Species and Additional Analysis

If head and tail gentle tetras attraction to you, and you have an interest in some appropriate fish in your aquarium, try:

• Rasbora Species Profile
• Barbs Species Profile
• DanioS Species Profile

Take a look at extra fish species profiles for extra data on different freshwater fish.