Kitty Tetra – Hyphessobrycon heliacus
The Kitty Tetra (Hyphessobrycon heliacus) is a unique and lesser-known freshwater schooling fish with a subtle, attractive appearance and peaceful temperament. This uncommon tetra is a great choice for aquarists who want something different for a planted aquarium or peaceful community tank.
Kitty Tetras do best in groups, where they feel secure and show more natural schooling behavior. Their calm nature makes them a good fit for aquariums with other small, peaceful fish, live plants, and gentle tankmates.
Key Features
- Unique and lesser-known freshwater tetra
- Peaceful schooling fish for community aquariums
- Great choice for planted tanks and natural setups
- Subtle, attractive appearance
- Good option for hobbyists seeking rare tetras
- Best kept in groups of 6 or more
Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon heliacus
- Common Name: Kitty 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
- Tank Level: Midwater
- Water Temperature: 72–80°F
- pH Range: 6.0–7.5
- Diet: Omnivore
Why Choose Kitty Tetras?
Kitty Tetras are a great option for aquarists looking beyond the more common tetra varieties. Their peaceful behavior, smaller size, and uncommon appearance make them a nice addition to planted community aquariums.
A proper group helps Kitty Tetras feel more confident and active. They look especially good in natural-style aquariums with live plants, driftwood, darker backgrounds, and open swimming space.
Ideal Tank Setup
Kitty Tetras do best in a stable, fully cycled aquarium with clean water, live plants, and peaceful tankmates. Provide a mix of open swimming space and cover from plants, driftwood, or decor to help them feel secure.
Keep them in groups of at least 6 or more for best schooling behavior, confidence, and reduced stress. Avoid aggressive tankmates, large predatory fish, and unstable water conditions.
Compatible Tankmates
- Other peaceful tetras
- Small rasboras
- Corydoras catfish
- Otocinclus
- Small peaceful gouramis
- Peaceful livebearers
- Shrimp with proper cover
- Snails
Tankmates to Avoid
- Large predatory fish
- Aggressive cichlids
- Fin-nipping species
- Overly boisterous fish that may outcompete them for food
- Fish that require very different water conditions
Diet & Feeding
Kitty Tetras are omnivores and accept a variety of small aquarium foods. Feed quality flakes, micro pellets, small granules, frozen baby brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and other appropriately sized foods.
A varied diet helps support healthy color, activity, and overall condition. Feed small portions that the group can consume quickly.
Care Tips
- Keep in groups of 6 or more
- Use a stable, fully cycled aquarium
- Provide plants and cover for security
- Maintain clean, stable water conditions
- Choose peaceful community tankmates
- Feed a varied diet of flakes, pellets, and frozen foods
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Kitty Tetras peaceful?
Yes. Kitty Tetras are peaceful schooling fish that do well in calm freshwater community aquariums.
How many Kitty Tetras should I keep together?
Keep them in groups of at least 6 or more for best confidence, behavior, and reduced stress.
Are Kitty Tetras good for planted tanks?
Yes. Kitty Tetras are a great fit for planted aquariums with live plants, open swimming space, and peaceful tankmates.
Are Kitty Tetras rare?
They are less commonly seen than many standard tetras, making them a fun choice for hobbyists looking for something different.
How big do Kitty Tetras get?
They typically reach approximately 1.5–2 inches as adults.
What do Kitty Tetras eat?
They eat quality flakes, micro pellets, small granules, frozen foods, and small live foods. A varied diet is best for health and activity.
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
Kitty Tetras are unique peaceful schooling fish for planted aquariums, aquascapes, and freshwater community tanks. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop tetras, schooling fish, nano fish, 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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