Candy Cane Tetra

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Candy Cane Tetra (Hyphessobrycon bentosi var.)

Also known as: Bentosi Tetra, Rosy Tetra, False Rosy Tetra

Quick Facts

• Size: 1.5–2 inches
• Lifespan: 4–6 years
• Temperament: Peaceful, shoaling
• Origin: Amazon Basin (selectively bred color morph)
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Tank Level: Mid-dweller
• Group Size: Keep in groups of 6 or more

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 72–80°F (22–27°C)
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2–12 dGH)
• Tank Size: 20+ gallons recommended for a group

Diet

• Omnivore – Accepts:
• High-quality micro pellets and flakes
• Frozen or live foods: daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms
• Occasionally algae-based foods or spirulina flakes for variety

Behavior & Tankmates

• Peaceful and social—thrives in community tanks
• Best with similarly sized non-aggressive species:
• Rasboras, other tetras, corydoras, peaceful barbs, small gouramis
• Avoid fin-nipping species or overly large tankmates

Appearance

• Pale pink to soft peach body
• Red-tipped fins with white trim—resembling candy canes
• Males may display slightly brighter coloration and slimmer bodies

Notes

• Provide plants, driftwood, and open swimming space
• Gentle filtration and dim lighting enhance coloration and reduce stress
• Breeds in soft, slightly acidic water—eggs scatter among fine-leaved plants