Scientific Name
Hyphessobrycon eques

Common Name
Jewel tetra

Biology
A gregarious species which positions itself near the surface between the stems of emerging plants. It is frequently found in stagnant waters. They are generally peaceful, but when there are too many of them during feeding, they bite each other's fins (Ref. 12225). Feeds on worms, crustaceans, insects and plants (Ref. 7020). Oviparous (Ref. 205). This species is part of a complex of `blood' tetras, hybrids of which are commonly offered in the aquarium trade. Aquarium keeping: aggressive; in groups of 5 or more individuals; minimum aquarium size 60 cm (Ref. 51539).

Classification

Classified By

Steindachner, 1882

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Characins (Characiformes)

Family

Characins (Characidae)

Distribution

Region

South America

Distribution

South America: Amazon, Guapor? and Paraguay River basins.

Range

Unknown

Environment

Climate

Tropical

Water Temperature From

22 °C

Water Temperature To

26 °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

benthopelagic

Environment

Freshwater; ; pH range: 5.0 - 7.8; dH range: 10 - 25 benthopelagic

Trophic Level

3.06 s.e. 0.38 Based on food items.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

False

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

True

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

4.0 cm

Common Length

Unknown cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Aquarium: highly commercial

Vulnerability

Low vulnerability (10 of 100)

Resilience

High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Not Evaluated