Hemigrammus ocellifer (Steindachner, 1882)
Head-and-taillight tetra
Hemigrammus ocellifer
photo by Hoffmann, P. and M. Hoffmann

Family:  Characidae (Characins; tetras), subfamily: Stethaprioninae
Max. size:  4.9 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 6 - 8; dH range: 5 - 19
Distribution:  South America: Rivers of Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Amazon basin in Brazil and Peru.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Occurs along the coastal zone and prefers water bodies with little current. Lives in groups. Feeds on worms, small insects, crustaceans and plants (Ref. 7020). The males are generally very much smaller and more svelte than the females. It is a very prolific species and its reproduction can easily be carried out in the aquarium (Ref. 12225). With an incubation temperature of 26°C, hatching of the eggs occurs within 48 to 60 hours (Ref. 27188). Maximum length questionable (Ref. 38376). Aquarium keeping: in groups of 5 or more individuals; minimum aquarium size 60 cm (Ref. 51539).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 March 2021 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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