Blue Ribbon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon sp.)

The tetras of South America are almost incomprehensible in their diversity. Every year, new species are discovered and described, and its not uncommon for some of these to make their way into the aquarium trade long before they are scientifically named.

One of these may be a fish which has recently been spotted in aquarium exports, the Blue Ribbon Tetra. It has been tentatively identified as belong to the genus Hyphessobrycon. This group numbers 140 recognized taxa, including many that are quite familiar to aquarists. Examples include the Lemon Tetra (H. pulchripinnis), the Rosy Tetra (H. rosaceus), the Black Phantom Tetra (H. megalopterus), the Black Neon Tetra (H. herbertaxelrodi), the Serpae Tetra (H. equus), and the Ember Tetra (H. amandae).

The variety in this genus is astounding, but the care for them is all more or less the same. An omnivorous diet and warm, slightly acidic water will keep them happy. And, as always, keep them in as large a group as possible, and away from overly boisterous, aggressive or carnivorous tankmates.

As for the Blue Ribbon Tetra, its most noteworthy feature is a splash of blue that develops across the back and, to a lesser extent, along the belly. There’s also a prominent black band that runs along the midbody, helping to identify this species from some of the other blue-colored tetras that make their way into the aquarium trade, such as Boehlkea fredcochui or Knodus borki. The Blue Emperor Tetra (Inpaichthys kerri) is also a bit similar, but it has a much thicker stripe. Whether the Blue Ribbon Tetra is truly an undescribed species, or merely one which we haven’t been able to properly identify yet, will remain to be seen, but we can say for sure that it is a beautiful fish that will shine in any peaceful community tank.