Tetra Ulrey (Hyphessobrycon heterorhabdus) — > 3cm

Overview of Tetra Ulrey

The freshwater fish for sale uk, scientifically known as Hyphessobrycon heterorhabdus, a striking, peaceful schooling tetra with bold red, black, and yellow markings that shines in planted community aquariums.. Hyphessobrycon heterorhabdus, the flag tetra or Belgian flag tetra, is a species of freshwater ray-finned fish belonging to the family Acestrorhamphidae, the American characins. This fish is distingui

Native to Amazon Basin, Brazil; freshwater clearwater and blackwater habitats, this easy-care species belongs to the Acestrorhamphidae family and has earned a loyal following among UK aquarists for its unique characteristics and manageable requirements.

Appearance and Distinguishing Features

The Tetra Ulrey displays the classic tetra body shape with distinctive markings that set it apart from other characins. Their schooling behavior creates a mesmerizing display of synchronized movement and color.

At Tropical Fish Co, we select only the healthiest specimens with vibrant coloration and active behavior, ensuring you receive premium quality fish for your aquarium.

Natural Habitat and Origin

In the wild, Hyphessobrycon heterorhabdus inhabits amazon basin, brazil; freshwater clearwater and blackwater habitats. Understanding their natural environment helps us replicate optimal conditions in the home aquarium.

These waters are typically soft, slightly acidic, and rich in tannins from decomposing leaf litter. Dense vegetation provides shelter and feeding opportunities, while seasonal flooding creates dynamic habitat conditions.

Aquarium Setup and Requirements

A minimum tank size of 75 litres is essential for housing Tetra Ulrey. Larger aquariums provide more stable water chemistry and greater swimming space, both critical for long-term health.

A well-planted aquarium with open swimming areas suits this species perfectly. Use a dark substrate to enhance coloration, and include driftwood and leaf litter to create natural tannins and hiding places.

Invest in quality filtration capable of turning over the tank volume 4-6 times per hour, and perform regular 25-30% water changes weekly to maintain pristine conditions.

Water Parameters and Chemistry

Maintaining correct water parameters is crucial for the health of Tetra Ulrey:

• Temperature: 23-28C
• pH Range: 5.5-7.5
• Hardness: See species-specific requirements
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm (zero tolerance)
• Nitrate: Below 20 ppm ideally

This species prefers soft, acidic water. Use RO water remineralized to appropriate GH/KH, add Indian almond leaves or alder cones for tannins, and avoid calcareous decorations that raise pH.

Invest in quality test kits and check parameters weekly. Stability is more important than hitting exact numbers - avoid sudden changes that stress fish.

Feeding and Nutrition

As a omnivore, Tetra Ulrey requires a carefully balanced diet to maintain optimal health and coloration.

Offer a varied diet of high-quality micro pellets or flakes, supplemented with small frozen/live foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms; include occasional plant-based matter or...

Vary the diet between quality flakes/pellets, frozen foods (bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp), and occasional fresh vegetables. Nutritional variety promotes vibrant colors, strong immunity, and natural behavior.

Remove uneaten food after 3-5 minutes to prevent water quality degradation. A single weekly fasting day can benefit digestion and overall health.

Behaviour and Temperament

The Tetra Ulrey is classified as peaceful, though individual personality can vary with age, tank size, and stocking density.

This peaceful species thrives in community setups with similarly sized, non-aggressive tankmates. Calm demeanor and gentle nature make it ideal for planted aquariums.

Best kept in a planted, dimly lit aquarium with soft, clean water and a dark substrate to enhance coloration. This is a schooling species that should be kept in a proper group; small numbers can lead...

Compatible Tank Mates

Choose tankmates carefully to ensure a harmonious community aquarium:

Compatible species include:

• Other peaceful small tetras
• Rasboras
• Corydoras catfish
• Otocinclus
• Small peaceful bottom-dwellers

Avoid housing with:

• Large predatory fish
• Aggressive cichlids
• Fin-nipping barbs
• Large loaches
• Any fish large enough to eat them

Always research specific compatibility and introduce new fish gradually, monitoring behavior closely during the first few weeks.

Breeding and Reproduction

Can be bred in a separate soft, slightly acidic spawning tank with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops; remove adults after spawning as they may eat eggs. Fry are tiny and require infusoria or other...

Why Buy Tetra Ulrey from Tropical Fish Co UK

When you choose Tropical Fish Co for your freshwater fish for sale uk purchase, you benefit from:

• Premium Quality: Every fish is quarantined, health-checked, and feeding well before dispatch
• Expert Selection: We hand-pick active, vibrant specimens with excellent coloration
• Safe Delivery: Specialist courier service with heat packs and double-bagged packaging
• Live Arrival Guarantee: We stand behind every shipment with our comprehensive guarantee
• Ongoing Support: Expert care advice available whenever you need it

With decades of combined experience in the UK aquarium trade, we understand what makes healthy, thriving fish. Our Tetra Ulrey specimens are among the finest freshwater fish for sale uk available online today.

Order with confidence knowing you're purchasing from a trusted UK specialist. We're passionate about connecting aquarists with exceptional fish for sale UK wide.