Hemigrammus stictus

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Introduction

Hemigrammus stictus, also known as the Red Base Tetra, is a small South American characid valued for its subtle yet distinctive coloration. Its silver body highlights a red caudal-base area, with reflective tones that become stronger when the fish is kept in suitable conditions. Peaceful and schooling, it does best in a planted aquarium with soft, slightly acidic water. This species remains uncommon in the aquarium trade. The specimens offered here are wild collected, so careful acclimation and a varied diet are especially important after arrival.

General species description

Hemigrammus stictus is a small, peaceful tetra that spends most of its time in the middle levels of the aquarium. Like many members of the genus Hemigrammus, it is more comfortable in a group and displays better coloration when it feels secure. A school of at least eight to ten individuals encourages natural interactions and reduces nervousness. Its generally calm temperament makes it suitable for communities containing other small Amazonian fish. It prefers stable, well-oxygenated water and does not respond well to sudden changes. Its red caudal-base marking is its main visual feature. Relatively uncommon in the hobby, it appeals to aquarists looking for a less frequently encountered schooling tetra.

Geographic origin and biotope

Countries of reference: Venezuela and Brazil. The species is associated with the upper Orinoco and Rio Negro basins in northern South America. It occurs in slow to moderately flowing waters, often stained by organic matter from the surrounding forest. Typical habitat includes shaded banks, roots, submerged leaves and light filtered through riparian vegetation. Soft, acidic to slightly acidic water with low mineral content suits its natural profile. In an aquarium, gentle filtration, plants and shaded areas reproduce its environment more effectively than a brightly lit, bare setup. The fish offered here are wild collected.

Precise location and local name

Hemigrammus stictus is associated with the upper Orinoco region of Venezuela and the Rio Negro basin in Brazil. Populations may occur in small forest tributaries and marginal areas where the current remains moderate. The most widely used trade name is Red Base Tetra, sometimes translated as “red-base tetra.” No specific regional vernacular name is retained here. For aquarists in Quebec and elsewhere, the English trade name remains the most practical way to identify the species with suppliers and in availability lists.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The body of Hemigrammus stictus is elongated, laterally compressed and covered with silvery scales. The overall coloration is enhanced by a red area at the base of the tail, especially when the fish is fully acclimated. The fins are generally translucent, while the body may show golden or rosy reflections under subdued lighting. Its adult size remains small, making it suitable for small to medium community aquariums. As with many small tetras, coloration and posture can change with mood, social hierarchy and water quality. Its slender shape and active swimming are best displayed against a dark, planted background.

General diet

In the aquarium, Hemigrammus stictus generally accepts a varied diet of quality small dry foods, fine granules and frozen foods. Bloodworms, brine shrimp and other small aquatic foods can be offered as supplements in modest portions. Wild fish often benefit from a gradual transition instead of an abrupt dietary change. Feed small amounts once or twice daily to prevent leftovers and protect water quality. A varied diet supports coloration, body condition and school activity. Food must be small enough for the fish to swallow, and live or frozen items should come from a reliable source.

Essential data

• Native river: Upper Orinoco and Rio Negro basins
• Local name used: Red Base Tetra
• Origin of the scientific name: Hemigrammus identifies the genus; stictus describes a distinct mark or coloration
• Etymology of the full name: Hemigrammus comes from Greek and roughly means “half-line”; stictus means “marked” or “spotted”
• Common/vernacular names: Red Base Tetra
• Family: Characidae
• Subfamily: Stethaprioninae
• Name pronunciation: hem-ee-GRAM-us - STIK-tus
• Discovery: Marion Durbin, 1909
• Maximum adult size: About 4 cm
• Water temperature and pH: 24 to 28 °C; pH 5.5 to 7.0
• Stream appearance and surrounding vegetation: Shaded forest waters with roots, submerged leaves and dense riparian vegetation
• Typical tankmates: Paracheirodon axelrodi, Corydoras agassizi, Otocinclus affinis, Apistogramma agassizii
• Temperament and behavior: Peaceful, schooling and active in open water
• Water depth: Marginal and shallow areas of forest streams
• Sexual dimorphism: Mature females are generally fuller-bodied; males are slimmer
• Bottom structure and flow: Sand, silt, leaves and plant debris; slow to moderate current

In your aquarium

For successful care of Hemigrammus stictus, provide a proper school, soft and stable water, and a layout with plants, roots and shaded areas. Slow acclimation is especially important for wild-collected fish. Offer small, varied meals and avoid aggressive or much larger tankmates. Gentle filtration, regular water changes and moderate lighting will help reveal the red caudal-base marking while reducing stress. Under these conditions, this understated tetra becomes an excellent schooling fish for a peaceful Amazonian community aquarium.