Columbian tetras

[sushi]

Hi. I got a fish by accident at the lfs. It was in the bag when I got home.
I thought it was haliquin but it's a columbian (I had a look).
What are these. Are they "kind"? How big do they get? How many would they need in their school? that's if they are schooling fish. guessing they are.
Can you sex/breed them?

thankyou to anyone that can help

 

[xXMrBonesXx]

is this the fish your talking about? http/www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Di...d=21&pCatId=936

 

[sushi]

No. that's a shark. Mine's a tetra. I've seen it on the net but not with much useful info.
Here's a link for a photo for the fish I have:
columbian tetra

 

[themikestro]

Aha!

Just for once I can give you an answer instead of asking dumb questions!
I've got a schoal of these fellas and they are very nice indeed.
1) They are very peaceful and never bother any of my other fish.
2) They grow bigger than most tetras about 7cm maybe but quite deep bodied
3) They do like to have a nibble on soft leafed plants, but nothing too serious
4) The will eat anything
5) They mostly pick a spot and all hang there motionless, but they are absolutely the hardest fish in the world to catch, REALLY fast!
6) In the right condition and after a few months they gain fantastic colours, really deep reds and irridescent blues.
7) For some reason they cost more than any other Tetras! £2.50 each in the UK.
8) They are certainly happier in a group as you'd expect.
9) Mine seem a little to prone to mouth rot, but that was easily sorted out.

Don't know anything about breeding habits or what conditions they do best in but I would expect them to prefer slightly acidic and softer water.

Hope that is some help to you.

 

[sushi]

LOL> I know what you mean about always asking questions and never answering them. occasionally i answer one but I'm just talking out my butt really.

That is heaps of help. They cost more here too (in New zealand). They're $6, whereas black widows are $3 and tigers $4 etc etc. so yeah, I think they're probly the most expensive tetra. I like them though. they're kinda plain but pretty.
thanks heaps. Are your columbians 7cm or whatever you said? that's big. Think I might need to get another tank. so many fishies I wanna get. and breed
I think you're right about the acidic water. I think that's one thing I did get off and website.

 

[themikestro]

You know what, they probably aren't as big as that and I could be wrong, but mine may still be growing 5-6cm at the moment. They do look a bit plain, but given time they look really impressive especially in a big group. I have one of those purple-ish colour enhancing lights in my tank and they look really good.

I think they cost more beacause they've not been in the trade too long and maybe aren't being bred in the same numbers as say neons. They also come from a tiny part of South America rather than being all over the Amazon so I guess you are paying for something out of the ordinary.

I love mine and i'll be getting more in the future I think.

Enjoy your new fishy friend!

 

[Lateral Line]

>>> Can you sex/breed them?

Not if you've only got one!

 

[sushi]

lol. that's funny.
Say if i looked at the ones in the lfs, then could i sex them?