The family of characids has more than 1.300 different species, mostly in South America, although we can also find Carácidos African, less popular among aquarists. Characids species used for hot water aquariums, They are mostly gregarious. In nature often they live in areas of the rivers that get stuck, without current and shallow, where there is a great profusion of plants, among which are hidden for reproduction. Streams typically have an acid pH, soft water, renewed when tropical rains occur. This is the habitat we have to play in the aquarium, a stage with lots of greenery, in which there frequently renew the water. They are in most fish species They are carnivores, feeding on insect larvae. Aquariums in this diet is supplemented with pieces of meat and raw fish, worms, prawns, € mejillonesâ |. Characids within two or three species that stand out from the rest, on the one hand is the Tetra fish, with multiple versions and other, Piranha, known worldwide for its voracity taken to the limit in film, but it does not reflect the reality of this fish.

Cardinal Tetra

Paracheirodon axelrodi The Cardinal Tetra is originating in South America, although US aquariums is widespread, since a pilot for American Airways introduced in the early 60. Needs a slightly acidic water, with a temperature between 23º to 27º, with lots of greenery in which to take refuge and reproduce. They are relatively small fish, They do not grow over 5 centimeters, allowing keep us in a small aquarium: 50 a 60 liters. See: Cardinal Tetra

Tetra fish serpae, Tetra Serpa

Hyphessobrycon serpae Among aquarium hobbyists Tetra fish Serpa, It is often confused with Hyphessobrycon Callistus and some other tetras very similar. Tetra true Serpa, comes from the Amazon region. It is a peaceful fish, It prefers slightly acidic water and a temperature of 25. You can play in aquarium, feeding the fry with specific products.

Neon Tetra fish

Paracheirodon innesi The Neon Tetra It is a gregarious species, very peaceful, that is perfectly adapted to living in the aquarium along with other small species. It is not very demanding about the quality of water, but it prefers filtered water through the peat background aquarium, with a pH below 7 and dH less than 10 °. Reaches a size of about four centimeters in captivity. See: Neon Tetra

Silver dollar fish

A silver Metynnis This is one of the characids difficult to reproduce, but not impossible. It is a peaceful species that used to live in community in northern South America. We need a large aquarium, about 200 liters, where you find enough space. It is a vegetarian species, you can measure 14 centimeters. SEE: Silver dollar fish

piranha red

Serrasalmus natterei Red piranha is preceded by a black legend, it really does not do justice. The attacks that we see in the movies, rarely they occur and are directed only against animals injured or lose a lot of blood. It is true that They have very sharp teeth, that can cause deep wounds, If you do not take precautions due, but like many other aquarium fish. Read more: piranha red

The piranha aquarium, You must have roots and provide shelter to the piranhas, and have a subdued lighting. The temperature of the water must be installed in the environment 24º and 27ºC. If you hope to reproduce in the aquarium, we know of some cases, but it's really hard. In captivity They can measure a 30 centimeters, and we will need an aquarium of about 300 liters.

fish Borrachito

Hemigrammus rhodostomus Pez Borrachito tetra is a native of the Orinoco River and the lower reaches of the Amazon. We are facing a very sociable fish, which can coexist with a variety of freshwater species, in a community tank. They are gregarious fish, of which the best results are obtained, when a group has between 8 Y 10 copies. In these conditions, fish is calmer and is more striking coloration. See: fish Borrachito

Monja fish or fish Monjita

Gymnocorymbus Ternetzi The Monja fish is characid, therefore It is known as Black or Black Widow Tetra. This is an active copy, which is very striking in a community tank, especially if it maintains a small shoal of copies, Splendid situation for the animal itself and to our delight. Habitually It is a quiet fish, not usually attack other copies of the aquarium, unless they have tails largasâ € |no is well documented why, but these fish will attract about how and bite their tails. It is an easy fish to acclimatise and maintain, reason is a fish highly sought after for beginners in the aquarium hobby. You wanna know more?: fish Monja