Raccoon Tetra (Tank-Bred)

About

The Raccoon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon procyon) is a relatively recent arrival in the freshwater hobby, and it's been turning heads since it showed up. The common name comes from the dark facial patterning that runs across the eye area, giving the fish an unmistakable masked look that sets it apart from the many other small tetras available to hobbyists. Beyond that distinctive face, it carries the sleek, laterally compressed body typical of the Hyphessobrycon group. Being a schooling fish at heart, the Raccoon Tetra really comes into its own when kept in groups. A lone specimen or a pair will stay timid and rarely show its best colors or behavior, but a proper school moves with real confidence around the tank. It settles in nicely in a well-planted setup where the greenery gives the group a sense of security and shows off the body patterning well. One important note for newcomers: like most tetras, this species should only go into a tank that has already cycled and established a stable bacterial colony. Rush that step and you'll have problems. Once the tank is mature though, the Raccoon Tetra proves to be a forgiving and rewarding choice for beginner and intermediate keepers alike.