Bahia Black Diamond Tetra 'Paraguaçú' (Hyphessobrycon negodagua)

Common Name

Negodagua Tetra

Scientific name

Hyphessobrycon negodagua   |   Origin, Paraguaçu River basin, Bahia, Brazil

Origin and Habitat

Endemic to tributaries of the Paraguaçu in Bahia, with type material reported from the Rio Pratinha. Streams are clear to tea tinted by leaf tannins, warm, soft, and well oxygenated. Shorelines show fine sand, leaf litter, fallen branches, and gentle current. Schools hold in midwater over pale substrates, then slip into shaded roots and plants when startled.

Temperature and Water Conditions

Preferred range is 73 to 79 F, which is 23 to 26 C. Wild water is typically soft and mildly acidic to near neutral, about pH 5.5 to 7.0. For home aquaria we do not recommend chasing exact numbers except for special breeding work. Stable, clean, well oxygenated water is far more important.

Appearance and Size

A petite, luminous tetra with a velvety dark rear half and bright contrasting pale fin edges. Males deepen in color and show more intense white on the dorsal and anal fin tips. Maximum size is about 3 to 3.5 cm standard length, roughly 1.2 to 1.4 inches.

Diet in the Wild

Opportunistic micro predator and picker, feeding on tiny insects at the surface, micro crustaceans, algae filaments, and edible biofilm drifting through slow margins and among leaves.

Feeding in Captivity

Offer high quality micro pellets and fine flakes, plus small live or frozen fare such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and cyclops. Several small feedings bring out color and keep the school active. Floating plants and dappled light help shy groups feel secure so they feed boldly in the open.

Behavior and Tank Setup

Peaceful and best in a real school. Keep at least eight so you see natural schooling runs and gentle color displays among males. A planted layout with fine sand, leaf litter pockets, wood, and calm open lanes suits them well. Provide gentle flow with strong oxygen, and pair with other small calm characins, dwarf corys, and peaceful nano fish that enjoy warm clean water.

Breeding

Plant spawning egg scatterer. Condition adults on small live and frozen foods for one to two weeks. Use a separate breeding tank with very soft water, fine leaved plants or mops, and very gentle flow. Introduce a well conditioned pair or small group in the evening, spawning often occurs at first light. Eggs fall into plants and mesh or marbles, remove adults after the spawn to protect the clutch. Eggs usually hatch in one to two days depending on temperature. Start fry on infusoria or paramecium, then transition to newly hatched brine shrimp and finely powdered fry foods. Keep light subdued and perform tiny daily water changes to maintain pristine conditions.

Quick Facts

• Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon negodagua
• Origin: Paraguaçu River basin, Bahia, Brazil
• Adult size: about 3 to 3.5 cm standard length, roughly 1.2 to 1.4 inches
• Temperature: 73 to 79 F (23 to 26 C)
• Wild pH: about 5.5 to 7.0, soft to near neutral water
• Temperament: peaceful schooling tetra
• Diet: micro predator and picker, accepts quality prepared and small frozen foods
• Breeding: plant spawning egg scatterer, remove adults after spawning

Tropical Fish Co. Notes

Negodagua Tetras are uncommon in the hobby, which makes a proper group a real treat. A dozen or more move like a single ribbon, the dark rear half flashes as they turn, and the crisp white fin edging sparks with every change of direction. They settle quickly with calm tankmates, help shy fish feel bolder, and look fantastic against wood, leaf litter, and soft plants. Keep them together, keep the water steady, and enjoy the color shifts and graceful midwater glide that set them apart from the usual community tetras.