{"product_id":"red-cherry-tetra-mato-grosso-hyphessobrycon-muzel","title":"Red Cherry Tetra (Mato Grosso) – Hyphessobrycon sp. “Muzel”","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eRed Cherry Tetra (Mato Grosso)\u003c\/strong\u003e, currently known in the aquarium trade as \u003cem\u003eHyphessobrycon\u003c\/em\u003e sp. “Muzel” or \u003cstrong\u003eMZUEL 17771\u003c\/strong\u003e, is a striking South American tetra prized for its vivid cherry-red to orange-red coloration and peaceful schooling behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis relatively new aquarium species is associated with the Mato Grosso region of Brazil and has quickly become highly sought after by aquarists looking for a colorful, uncommon schooling fish for planted and blackwater-style aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntense cherry-red to orange-red coloration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeep red fins\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful freshwater schooling fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRelatively rare and recently introduced to the aquarium trade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent for planted and blackwater aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBest maintained in groups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdult size around 1.5–1.75 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColor becomes stronger with maturity and good care\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFish Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Red Cherry Tetra\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAlso Known As:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mato Grosso Red Cherry Tetra, Muzel Red Cherry Tetra\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Identification:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eHyphessobrycon\u003c\/em\u003e sp. “Muzel” \/ MZUEL 17771\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStatus:\u003c\/strong\u003e Currently an undescribed species in the aquarium trade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Characidae\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Brazil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReported Locality:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rio Juruena, Mato Grosso region\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 1.5–1.75 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSwimming Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Middle levels\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivore \/ micropredator\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy to Moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eColor and Appearance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Red Cherry Tetra develops rich red-orange body coloration with deeper red coloration in the fins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHealthy mature fish can become exceptionally vibrant, especially when maintained in good water quality, subdued lighting, and a planted or dark-background aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIndividual coloration may vary depending on age, sex, diet, stress level, and aquarium conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRecommended Group Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed Cherry Tetras are social fish and should be kept in groups rather than individually.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe recommend a minimum group of \u003cstrong\u003e6 fish\u003c\/strong\u003e, with groups of \u003cstrong\u003e8–10 or more\u003c\/strong\u003e preferred when aquarium size allows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarger groups generally encourage more natural behavior, increased confidence, and a stronger visual display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRecommended Aquarium Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003e20-gallon aquarium or larger\u003c\/strong\u003e is recommended for a proper group of Red Cherry Tetras.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA longer aquarium footprint provides plenty of horizontal swimming room while still allowing space for plants, driftwood, and shaded areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRecommended Water Parameters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 76–82°F\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 6.0–7.2\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft to moderately hard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAmmonia:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNitrite:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNitrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kept low through routine maintenance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrent aquarium-trade references describe this species as originating from warm, slower-moving, acidic waters, although captive-raised fish can adapt to a somewhat broader range of conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAquarium Setup\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed Cherry Tetras look especially impressive in planted or natural-style aquariums with subdued lighting and plenty of cover.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse a fully cycled freshwater aquarium\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide reliable biological filtration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaintain gentle to moderate water movement\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdd live plants for cover\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse driftwood or branches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide shaded areas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLeave open swimming space\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse a secure aquarium lid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePerform regular partial water changes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBlackwater-Style Aquarium\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Mato Grosso Red Cherry Tetra is particularly attractive in a blackwater-inspired aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA natural setup may include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDriftwood\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDried botanical leaves\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFloating plants\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDark substrate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDim or filtered lighting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoft, slightly acidic water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese conditions can help bring out the fish's intense red coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed Cherry Tetras are omnivorous micropredators and accept a wide variety of appropriately sized aquarium foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA varied diet may include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh-quality tropical flakes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMicro pellets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrozen brine shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBaby brine shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrozen daphnia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall bloodworms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther small live or frozen foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLive and frozen foods can be particularly useful for maintaining strong coloration and conditioning adult fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTemperament\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed Cherry Tetras are generally peaceful and suitable for community aquariums with similarly sized, non-aggressive fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are best maintained in a proper group, which helps reduce stress and encourages natural schooling behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCompatible Tankmates\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePotential tankmates include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther peaceful tetras\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRasboras\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCorydoras\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall peaceful plecos\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDwarf cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful gouramis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall rainbowfish with compatible water requirements\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther peaceful community fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid highly aggressive fish or species large enough to view these small tetras as prey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMale vs. Female\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSexual differences can become more noticeable as the fish mature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMales may develop stronger coloration and more pronounced finnage, while mature females are often somewhat fuller-bodied.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSexing young fish can be difficult.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike many \u003cem\u003eHyphessobrycon\u003c\/em\u003e species, the Red Cherry Tetra is expected to be an egg-scattering fish that provides little or no parental care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBreeding may be encouraged by:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoft, slightly acidic water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFine-leaved plants\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJava moss\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpawning mops\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA varied diet of live and frozen foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA separate breeding aquarium is preferred when maximizing egg and fry survival because adult fish may consume eggs or newly hatched fry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePlants and Aquascaping\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed Cherry Tetras are excellent fish for planted aquariums and generally do not damage healthy aquatic plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable plants may include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCryptocoryne\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnubias\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJava fern\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAmazon swords\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJava moss\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStem plants\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFloating plants\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGreen plants and darker backgrounds create especially strong contrast with the fish's red coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eImportant Care Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep in groups of at least six.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse a mature, fully cycled aquarium.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaintain ammonia and nitrite at 0 ppm.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide stable water conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeed a varied diet for best coloration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide plants and shaded areas.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid aggressive or oversized tankmates.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNever release aquarium fish into local waterways.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat species is the Red Cherry Tetra?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is currently sold as \u003cem\u003eHyphessobrycon\u003c\/em\u003e sp. “Muzel” or MZUEL 17771 and has not yet been formally described under a finalized species name.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere does the Mato Grosso Red Cherry Tetra come from?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAquarium-trade records place it in Brazil, with the Rio Juruena area of Mato Grosso commonly cited as its locality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow large do Red Cherry Tetras get?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAdults generally reach approximately 1.5–1.75 inches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow many should I keep?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKeep at least six, with eight to ten or more preferred when aquarium size allows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Red Cherry Tetras peaceful?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. They are generally peaceful schooling fish and work well in community aquariums with compatible species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat brings out their red coloration?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGood water quality, subdued lighting, a varied diet, mature fish, and planted or dark-background aquariums can help enhance their coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre they rare?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey are still relatively uncommon compared with long-established tetra species and are considered a specialty fish in the aquarium hobby.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre they good for planted aquariums?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Their rich red coloration looks especially attractive against green aquatic plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAvailable at Tropical Treasures Wyo\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed Cherry Tetras (Mato Grosso) are available at \u003cstrong\u003eTropical Treasures Wyo\u003c\/strong\u003e in Cheyenne, Wyoming, when in stock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLive fish are available for \u003cstrong\u003ein-store purchase or local pickup only\u003c\/strong\u003e and are not available for shipping.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54880075481301,"sku":null,"price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/4545\/8133\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_dabd907b-66a9-47bf-80f3-2a8ed4f84869.jpg?v=1788987652","url":"https:\/\/tropicaltreasureswyo.com\/products\/red-cherry-tetra-mato-grosso-hyphessobrycon-muzel","provider":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}