Colombian tetra

Hyphessobrycon columbianus

A deep silver-blue body with red tail and anal fins

The blue sheen is strongest on the upper body. Its deep profile distinguishes it from slender, transparent red-tailed tetras.

Adult length: Up to 6.5 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 20–28 °C
pH: 5–7.5
Hardness: 1–10 dGH

Natural habitat: Inhabits small creeks.

An active feeder that may outcompete smaller or quieter fish; choose tankmates with care.

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Appearance and identification

Compare body shape as well as tail colour: the glass bloodfin is slender and translucent, while the Colombian tetra is deeper and more solid-looking. It was historically misidentified as Hyphessobrycon ecuadorensis. Both sexes have blue iridescence on the upper body. Mature males are usually slimmer, slightly smaller and more intensely coloured, with a longer dorsal fin. Unlike the blue emperor tetra, this species lacks the same conspicuous dark lateral band.