▷ Fathead disc tetra in the aquarium | All info

Data sheet Dickkopf disc tetra

German name:
Bigheaded Disk Tetra

Scientific name:
Hypnotize Metynnis

Origin:
South America, French Guiana, Amazon and Paraguay river basins

Size:
Body length 15cm – 18cm

Aquarium

Length:
Length from 150 cm width

Contents:
from 400 liters

water values

Temperature:
24°-28° C

pH:
5.5-7

GH:
1° – 12° dH

Behave

Area:
middle area

Lining:
Omnivore, prefers plant foodfrozen food (mussel meat), flakes, dry food

Behave:
peaceful

Number:
Schooling fish, at least 6 – 8 animals

Difficulty level:
Beginner

This species of tetra belongs to the family of saw tetras (Serrasalmidae) in the order of tetras (Characiformes). It is also known as the Hochrückiger Scheinbentetra or Silberdollar.

Look

Sesame honey tart, Metynnis hypsauchen small, CC BY-SA 4.0

Disk tetras have one characteristic body shape. They are extremely high backed with a steep, high neckline. Their bodies are laterally flattened like discs.

This unusual body shape makes the mysterious silver-grey shimmering fish to special tank residents. The swarm glides majestically through the water. As dusk falls, a black shoulder patch appears. The orange to red fins add a splash of color. Juveniles have dark vertical stripes that adults no longer show.

Posture recommendation

Large stone structures or roots in the tank offer coveted hiding places. On a Planting can be omitted. The large tetras devoured everything plant-based in no time at all. A high humic content promotes well-being.

gender differences

The sexes can can be distinguished by the anal fin. In the males, the front fin rays are extended longer than in the females. They are also framed in black and red.

breed

Breeding in the aquarium is easy. Although the fish no spawn robbers are, a breeding tank should be set up. There the young fish can be fed specially and grow undisturbed. The water in the breeding tank should be slightly acidic and have a daytime temperature of 28ºC have. Nocturnal drop in temperature increases readiness to spawn. Frequent partial water changes simulates the rainy season and also stimulates the animals to reproduce.

During the spawning season, the tetras form larger groups. They are free spawners. The eggs and sperm are released near the surface of the water and sink to the bottom. after approx. The larvae hatch after 3 days. At this point at the latest, the parent animals are taken out of the breeding tank. The young fish can come along flakes or dry food to be fed.

socialization

The fish are easy to get in South America Basin insert. Medium-sized and large fish such as large plecos, South American cichlids or other large tetras. Small shrimp could possibly be eaten. One Socialization with crabs works good.

Stubborn disc tetras cannot be placed with fish that need a planted tank. They would eat away cover from these fish.