FishLvr.com

By Gary Bolton

Family: Characidae

Species: Hyphessobrycon flammeus

Size: 4.5cm (1 three quarter inch)

Diet: Omnivorous

Tank levels: All

Habitat: Streams and rivers around Rio de Janeiro

Remarks: Hyphessobrycon griemi is a similar species, but lacks the red colouration and has more white in its fins.

Comments: The body shape of this fish is typical of the tetra group, with a high profile tapering evenly to the caudal peduncle. Colouration is pinkish brown with silver. On perfect specimens, two dark bars appear behind the gill-cover and extend down to the belly; the lower rear of the body carries more red. Pelvic, anal, and the dorsal fin may be sooty with white streaks. A terminal mouth is situated at the tip of the snout, and an adipose fin is present. The female is less red and increases in girth when spawning.

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