Tetra-Kitty(20-25mm)
Tetra-Kitty(20-25mm)
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Tetra-Kitty(20-25mm)
🐟 Kitty Tetra
(Phyllobrycon xenicus / “Kitty Tetra”)
Overview
The Kitty Tetra is a small, peaceful, and active freshwater tetra native to South American waters. Known for its slender, silvery body and subtle reflective shimmer, it adds movement and sparkle to community aquariums. Their schooling behaviour and gentle temperament make them ideal for peaceful tank setups.
🌈 Colour & Appearance
Juveniles:
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Pale silver body
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Minimal iridescence
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Fins small and slightly transparent
Adults:
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Bright silvery body with subtle reflective sheen
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Fins slightly elongated and more visible
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Shimmering lateral line adds sparkle in well-lit aquariums
📸 Note: Photos may show both juvenile and adult specimens. Juveniles are less flashy than mature fish.
Adult Size
2–3 cm
Temperament
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Peaceful, schooling fish
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Best kept in groups of 6 or more
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Compatible with other small, non-aggressive community fish
Minimum Tank Size
40 litres+ for a small school
Water Parameters
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Temperature: 22–28°C
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pH: 6.0–7.5
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Soft to moderately hard water
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Stable, clean conditions preferred
Diet
Omnivore
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High-quality micro flakes or pellets
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Small frozen foods (daphnia, brine shrimp)
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Occasional live foods
Feed small amounts 1–2 times daily.
Tank Setup
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Planted aquarium with open swimming areas
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Fine substrate
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Gentle filtration and water flow
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Shade and hiding spots from floating plants
Special Notes
Kitty Tetras are perfect for peaceful community tanks. Their schooling behaviour, subtle shimmer, and active swimming make them an attractive and easy-care addition for beginner or experienced aquarists alike.
The Kitty Tetra (Hyphessobrycon heliacus) is a very colorful and elegant species that has become increasingly popular in the aquarium hobby in recent years. Its overall yellow and orange coloration is also often highlighted with bright green hues. Males develop elongated fins (especially the dorsal fin) as they mature. A school of this fish can be the highlight in any peaceful community aquarium, and will particularly stand out in any planted aquarium with dark substrate.
The Kitty Tetra typically occupies the top and middle level of the water column, although it can often be seen swimming and feeding in the middle and bottom levels as well. It is safe to keep with other peaceful, small fish. This tetra has a small mouth, but it still might prey on small adult shrimp. Larger, peaceful invertebrates can also make good tankmates. The Kitty Tetra must be kept in schools of 6 or more. Since it is tank-raised, this fish is somewhat adaptable, but its natural habitat contains soft, acidic water rich in tannins and leaf litter. It requires very clean water to thrive and it will display optimal coloration and health in a planted aquarium, especially where floating plants are present.
While not a picky eater, the Kitty Tetra will thrive and remain very colorful on a varied diet of omnivorous foods. High-quality flake food, pellets, and frozen or live omivorous and meaty foods will all be readily accepted. Variety is key to maintaining optimal health and coloration.
- Beautiful bright yellow and orange coloration
- Elongated fins in males
- Peaceful disposition with fish and peaceful invertebrates
- Very active and noticeable fish in any aquarium
- Ideal for planted aquariums
- Temperature: 75° - 82.4° F (24° - 28° C)
- pH: 6.0 - 7.5 (more acidic water is preferred)
- KH: 3 - 12 dKH
- Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
- Diet: Omnivorous. Will easily accept high quality dry and frozen foods.
- Social behavior: Peaceful, schooling/shoaling.
- Origin: Tank-bred, but indigenous to Brazil
- Average adult size: 1.2 inches (3 cm)
- Average purchase size: .75 - 1 inch (1.9 - 2.5 cm)
