Nego Dagua Tetra - Hyphessobrycon negodagua Fish Profile & Care Guide (2024)

Introduction

Renowned for its captivating presence in well-planted aquariums, the Nego Dagua Tetra (Hyphessobrycon negodagua) emerges as a small yet enchanting addition to the world of aquatic enthusiasts. While its beauty is undeniable, these Tetras also boast an agreeable temperament, making them a relatively straightforward species to care for. To truly appreciate their natural behaviour, it is advisable to maintain the Nego Dagua Tetra in sizable groups of at least eight individuals, or ideally more, as they thrive in the company of their own kind.

When selecting tankmates for the Nego Dagua Tetra, it is recommended to choose small, peaceful companions such as Micro Rasboras, other small Tetras, and Dwarf Barbs. However, due to their small size, it is prudent to avoid larger and more energetic fish that may overshadow or intimidate them.

Creating an ideal aquarium setup for the Nego Dagua Tetras involves carefully crafting a habitat that mimics their natural environment. Begin with a sand or fine gravel substrate, providing a comfortable foundation for their activities. Next, embrace the presence of vegetation, opting for either live aquatic plants or their synthetic counterparts, ensuring a harmonious blend of greenery throughout the tank. Finally, incorporating rocky structures, driftwood roots, and branches will further enhance the aesthetic appeal while providing hiding spots and territorial boundaries.

Water conditions play a crucial role in the overall well-being of the Nego Dagua Tetra. Maintain a stable pH level, slightly acidic in nature, and ensure the temperature remains on the warmer side to accommodate their preferences. While these Tetras are adaptable to varying water conditions, it is imperative to acclimate them slowly and avoid rapid fluctuations that may disrupt their delicate equilibrium.

For a truly immersive experience, create a gentle water flow within the aquarium, fostering a sense of natural movement without overwhelming the fish. This delicate balance will contribute to their overall comfort and enable them to exhibit their graceful behaviours.

Admire the Nego Dagua Tetra's distinctive appearance, characterized by a dark greyish body with striking black colouration on the posterior section. In addition, their dorsal and anal fins boast bright white markings, creating a captivating contrast against the dark backdrop of their bodies. In harmony with their overall colour scheme, their pectoral and caudal fins mirror the hue of their bodies, while an adipose fin is notably absent.

Nego Dagua Tetra Photos

Breeding

Regrettably, there is a scarcity of available information regarding the specific breeding techniques for Nego Dagua Tetras. Nevertheless, inferring that their breeding behaviours may align with those observed in other Hyphessobrycon species is plausible. Therefore, a dedicated breeding tank must be prepared to successfully breed Nego Dagua Tetras and maximize the yield of fry.

Creating an optimal breeding environment entails providing a dimly lit setting adorned with bundles of fine-leaved plants such as java moss, offering an ideal substrate for the deposition of eggs. Alternatively, spawning mops can serve as suitable alternatives. To prevent adults from accessing the eggs while facilitating the unhindered passage of the eggs through the substrate, covering the tank bottom with mesh with appropriately sized holes is recommended.

Maintaining water conditions conducive to successful breeding is paramount. The water in the breeding tank should exhibit a soft and acidic profile, with a pH level ranging between 5.5 and 6.5. The hardness of the water should ideally fall within the range of 1 to 5, while the temperature must be slightly elevated compared to standard conditions. Employing a peat filtration system and utilizing reverse osmosis (RO) water can further support the desired water parameters. In addition, incorporating a small air-powered sponge filter will provide gentle water movement within the tank.

When initiating the breeding process, assembling a group of Nego Dagua Tetras, comprising around six individuals of each sex, is recommended. Ensuring the group's optimal conditioning through ample live, frozen, or freeze-dried foods will facilitate successful spawning. Alternatively, a pair-wise breeding approach can be pursued by conditioning female and male groups separately in dedicated tanks. Once the females exhibit noticeable fullness of eggs and the males display their most vibrant colours, selecting the most robust female and the visually striking male and transferring them to the spawning tank in the evening will set the stage for spawning to occur the following morning. Regardless of the chosen approach, prompt separation of the eggs is imperative to prevent adult consumption.

The eggs will typically hatch within a window of 24 to 36 hours, contingent upon water temperature, while the fry will commence free-swimming approximately five days thereafter. To nourish the newly hatched fry, providing them with an infusoria-based diet for the initial days is advisable, gradually transitioning to baby brine shrimp, microworms, and finely crushed flake food as they grow. It is important to note that during the early stages of development, both the eggs and fry are sensitive to light. Therefore, maintaining a darkened environment within the tank, to the extent possible, will foster optimal conditions for their well-being.

Although specific insights into breeding Nego Dagua Tetras may be limited, employing these guidelines and adjusting strategies based on careful observation and adaptation can contribute to successful breeding endeavours.

Diet & Feeding

Nego Dagua Tetras exhibit a versatile feeding behaviour, making them relatively undemanding when it comes to food selection. However, to ensure optimal colouration and overall health of your fish, offering a diverse and nutritious diet is recommended. This should include high-quality dried foods such as flakes and granules, as well as live, frozen, or freeze-dried options like brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae, and bloodworms. Providing this varied diet will help meet their nutritional needs and promote their well-being.

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