Hasemania

Adults of this fish reach a length of approximately 5 cm. Their coloration is a silvery background with a pronounced copper hue. The caudal peduncle is predominantly dark, and the tips of the fins and tail have a white edging. The coloration of females is usually less intense and more modest compared to males.

Its origin is associated with the São Francisco River basin in Brazil (Portuguese: Rio São Francisco). Hasemania inhabits shallow streams, small rivers, and tributaries of the main channel. The territory of its natural habitat is characterized by hilly, sometimes mountainous terrain, and the water level is subject to seasonal changes.

This is a peaceful schooling fish that should be kept in groups of at least 8–10 individuals. With fewer numbers, their behavior may become somewhat aggressive, although, given their small size, they are unlikely to cause serious inconvenience to their tank mates. They get along well with many well-known aquarium inhabitants, including livebearers, danios, rasboras, Corydoras catfish, some gouramis, as well as South American cichlids and other species.

For comfortable keeping of a group of 8–10 individuals, an aquarium of at least 70 liters will be required. Hasemania demonstrates high adaptability to various water conditions and does not have special requirements for tank decoration. The only important recommendation is to provide subdued lighting, as under bright light, the fish's coloration may noticeably fade and become less vibrant.

This species is completely undemanding in terms of food and readily accepts all kinds of popular feeds, whether dry, frozen, or live. However, it is worth remembering that the quality and composition of the diet can significantly affect the intensity of the fish's coloration. Therefore, it is recommended to prefer feeds from trusted and well-known manufacturers.

The appearance of fry is possible even in a community tank, but their number, as a rule, will be insignificant, and it will begin to decrease daily if they are not promptly moved to a separate tank. The reason for this is adult fish, for whom fry are an excellent addition to their main diet. To increase the chances of offspring survival and a more systematic breeding process (so that spawning is not accidental), it is recommended to use a spawning tank. Sexually mature fish are placed in it during the breeding season. Usually, a small tank of about 20 liters is suitable for this purpose. The decoration can be arbitrary, but the main emphasis is on the choice of substrate. To protect the eggs from being eaten (Copper Tetra tends to eat its own offspring), the bottom should be covered with a fine-mesh net, small plant leaves, or mosses (for example, Java moss). Alternatively, a layer of glass marbles with a diameter of at least 1 cm can be used. Lighting should be subdued, and the equipment only needs a heater and a simple air-driven filter. The stimulus for the start of the breeding period is a gradual change in water parameters in the community tank to the following values: pH 6.0–6.5, dH 5–10 at a temperature of about 28–30°C. The basis of the diet at this time should be frozen or live foods. Careful observation of the fish will allow you to notice how some females become rounded with eggs. Males will begin to make croaking sounds, which is a characteristic feature of this species during courtship. Prepare and fill the spawning tank with water from the community tank. First, place the females there, and the next day, a pair of the brightest and largest males. Await spawning; its completion can be determined by the appearance of the females, who will be significantly “thinner,” and by the appearance of eggs among the vegetation (or under the fine-mesh net). After this, the fish should be returned to the community tank. Fry will hatch within 24–36 hours and after a few more days will actively start swimming in search of food. They need to be fed specialized micro-food.

The best guarantee of fish health from any disease is a balanced aquarium biosystem with optimal keeping conditions. Therefore, if you notice changes in behavior, fish coloration, the appearance of uncharacteristic spots, or other symptoms, you should first check the water parameters, and only after that proceed with treatment measures.

When choosing Hasemania, pay attention to their activity and coloration: healthy individuals should be active, stay in a school, and have a rich copper hue. Avoid fish with signs of fin damage, film on the body, or an unnaturally swollen abdomen, which may indicate infectious diseases. Since this species is schooling, it is recommended to acquire a group of 8–10 individuals at once, as solitary keeping causes severe stress and dull coloration in the fish. Before purchasing, make sure that the conditions in the seller's aquarium meet the basic requirements and that the fish do not show signs of emaciation.