Hyphessobrycon pyrrhonotus Burgess 1993

Hyphessobrycon pyrrhonotus is a peaceful species, although adult males can become territorial. In the biotope aquarium, it is best to maintain them with similarly-sized characids, gasteropelecids, lebiasinids, smaller callichthyid or loricariid catfishes and non-predatory, medium-sized cichlids. This is a group fish; so, it is best to keep it in a group of at least 8-10 specimens of both sexes.

In adult males the dorsal, pelvic and anal fins are highly extended, while adult females tend to be rounder in shape. However, males grow noticeably larger and have more intense colours than females.

Hyphessobrycon pyrrhonotus is an opportunistic omnivore. It feeds on fruit remains, aquatic insects, larvae, and terrestrial ants.

The biotope aquarium for Hyphessobrycon pyrrhonotus is best furnished with live plants. A natural-looking arrangement can be replicated by means of a sandy substrate with wood roots and branches that provide shady spots. Dried leaf litter that will preogressively decay can also emphasise the natural feel, as it spurs the growth of beneficial microbe colonies, provide tannins and other beneficial chemicals. However, this species is intolerant to accumulation of organic pollutants and requires spotless water; so, weekly water changes are required.

In the biotope aquarium, Hyphessobrycon pyrrhonotus shoud be fed with regular meals of small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia, Artemia, etc. Alongside, they can be given good quality dried flakes and granules. Nutrition is important to recreate the best condition; thus, this fish will show its best colours.  

Until today there were no reports about a successful breeding.

Fry can feed on bacteria provided by the decomposition of leaf litter.