Ornate tetra

Hyphessobrycon bentosi, the ornate or white-fin ornate tetra, is a small, softly coloured characin from the lower Amazon basin of Brazil, where it lives in warm, gently flowing tributaries and forest streams. Its pinkish body and elegantly extended, white-tipped fins make it a graceful community fish. It is peaceful and shoaling, so it must be kept in a group of at least eight to feel secure and to reduce any fin-nipping; larger groups show better colour and natural behaviour. It suits a well-planted tank with driftwood, subdued light and open swimming areas, in soft to moderately hard, slightly acidic to neutral water. An easy, adaptable omnivore, it readily takes quality flakes, micro-pellets and small frozen or live foods such as daphnia and bloodworm. Good tankmates include other peaceful tetras, rasboras and small catfish.