Orinoco Tetra

About

Found in the Orinoco River basin of South America, Hemigrammus barrigonae is a small, peaceful characin that rarely turns up in the hobby intentionally. It more often slips in as an accidental hitchhiker among shipments of more commonly traded tetras. Like its many relatives in the genus Hemigrammus, its taxonomic standing is currently uncertain, and the genus itself is widely considered a catch-all grouping of over 70 small characin species that experts agree is overdue for a thorough revision. In the aquarium, this is an undemanding and gentle fish that can get lost or outcompeted in busy community tanks. It pairs well with other soft-water South American species. Pencilfish, Corydoras, Apistogramma, and fellow small tetras being natural choices. Smaller rasboras, peaceful barbs, and West African dwarf cichlids like Pelvicachromis can also work in a more general setup. The key is avoiding boisterous or substantially larger tankmates. As a shoaling species, it genuinely needs the company of its own kind. A group of at least six is the minimum, and ten or more will bring out much more natural behavior and better overall appearance. Breeding has not been formally documented, though it likely follows the typical Hemigrammus pattern of egg scattering in soft, acidic water with egg-guarding precautions needed since adults will eat their own spawn.