Candy Cane Tetra – Hyphessobrycon bentosi
The Candy Cane Tetra (Hyphessobrycon bentosi) is a colorful freshwater schooling fish known for its bright red and white coloration, peaceful temperament, and graceful movement. This eye-catching tetra adds contrast and activity to planted aquariums, aquascapes, and community tanks.
Candy Cane Tetras do best in groups, where they feel more secure and display natural schooling behavior. Their soft red tones and pale body coloration stand out beautifully against live plants, driftwood, and darker aquarium backgrounds.
Key Features
- Bold red and white freshwater tetra
- Peaceful schooling fish for community aquariums
- Great for planted tanks and aquascapes
- Eye-catching contrast and movement
- Best kept in groups of 6 or more
- Beautiful choice for peaceful freshwater setups
Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon bentosi
- Common Name: Candy Cane Tetra
- Care Level: Easy to moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Adult Size: Approximately 1.5–2 inches
- Size at Sale: Approximately 0.75–1 inch
- Minimum Tank Size: 10–20 gallons or larger recommended
- Water Temperature: 72–80°F
- pH Range: 6.0–7.5
- Diet: Omnivore
Why Choose Candy Cane Tetras?
Candy Cane Tetras are a great choice for aquarists who want a peaceful schooling fish with bright, noticeable color. Their red and white appearance gives them a clean, high-contrast look that works well in planted aquariums and natural community tanks.
They are active without being overly aggressive, making them a beautiful addition to calm freshwater aquariums with similarly peaceful tankmates.
Ideal Tank Setup
Candy Cane Tetras do best in a stable, fully cycled aquarium with open swimming space and areas of cover. Live plants, driftwood, floating plants, and darker substrate help them feel secure while enhancing their coloration.
Keep them in groups of at least 6 or more for best schooling behavior, confidence, and reduced stress. Clean, stable water conditions are important for long-term health and color.
Compatible Tankmates
- Neon Tetras
- Cardinal Tetras
- Ember Tetras
- Other peaceful tetras
- Rasboras
- Corydoras catfish
- Otocinclus
- Small peaceful gouramis
- Shrimp with proper cover
- Snails
Diet & Feeding
Candy Cane Tetras are omnivores and accept a variety of small aquarium foods. Feed quality flakes, micro pellets, small granules, frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and other appropriately sized foods.
A varied diet helps support color, activity, and overall health. Feed small portions that the group can consume within a few minutes.
Care Tips
- Keep in groups of 6 or more
- Provide live plants and open swimming space
- Maintain clean, stable aquarium water
- Use peaceful community tankmates
- Feed a varied diet of flakes, pellets, and frozen foods
- Avoid aggressive or overly boisterous fish
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Candy Cane Tetras peaceful?
Yes. Candy Cane Tetras are peaceful schooling fish that do well in calm freshwater community aquariums.
How many Candy Cane Tetras should I keep together?
Keep at least 6 or more for best schooling behavior, confidence, and reduced stress.
Are Candy Cane Tetras good for planted tanks?
Yes. They are excellent for planted aquariums and natural aquascapes, where their red and white coloration stands out against greenery and darker backgrounds.
How big do Candy Cane Tetras get?
They typically reach approximately 1.5–2 inches as adults.
What do Candy Cane Tetras eat?
They eat quality flakes, micro pellets, small granules, frozen foods, and small live foods. A varied diet is best for health and color.
Can Candy Cane Tetras live with shrimp?
They can live with shrimp in planted aquariums with proper cover, though very small baby shrimp may be eaten by many fish.
Are these fish available for shipping?
No. Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Candy Cane Tetras are colorful peaceful schooling fish for planted aquariums, aquascapes, and freshwater community tanks. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop tetras, freshwater fish, shrimp, snails, live aquarium plants, fish food, filtration supplies, and aquarium care products. Live livestock is available for in-store purchase or local pickup only.
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