Bring a burst of fiery color to your aquascape with the stunning and highly sought-after Mato Grosso Red Cherry Tetra (Hyphessobrycon sp. MZUEL 17771). This relatively rare, newly introduced species is a true showstopper in the freshwater aquarium hobby. It displays an intense, vivid reddish-orange body coloration and deep red fins that intensify beautifully against live aquarium plants. If you are looking for a unique, peaceful nano fish that breaks away from the ordinary, this spectacular schooling characin is the perfect centerpiece for your next aquatic display.

Quick Overview & Product Specifications

• Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon sp. MZUEL 17771 (also known as Hyphessobrycon sp. "Muzel")

• Common Names: Mato Grosso Red Cherry Tetra, Red Cherry Tetra, Muzel Tetra

• Adult Size: Approximately 1.75+ inches (4.5 cm)

• Temperament: Peaceful; active schooling community fish

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 Gallons

• Water Parameters: pH: 5.5 – 7.2 | Temperature: 76°F – 82°F (24°C – 28°C) | Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

Key Features & Care Guide

Place of Origin

The Mato Grosso Red Cherry Tetra is native to South America, specifically originating from the wild, pristine river systems of Southwestern Brazil. They are heavily collected and documented within the slow-moving tributaries and blackwater streams of the Rio Juruena in the Mato Grosso State.

Diet & Feeding

In nature, these fish act as micropredators. In the home aquarium, they are highly adaptable, enthusiastic omnivores. To maintain their deep, vibrant red coloration, provide a varied diet consisting of high-quality color-enhancing flake foods, micro-pellets, and regular supplements of frozen or live foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, copepods, and bloodworms.

Tank Mates & Behavior

The Red Cherry Tetra is a loosely schooling species that must be kept in groups of at least 5 to 6 individuals (though a school of 10 or more is ideal). Keeping them in proper numbers reduces stress and encourages bold, active swimming behavior in the middle and upper zones of the water column. They are incredibly peaceful and make excellent tank mates for other similarly sized community fish, such as dwarf cichlids (Apistogramma), rasboras, corydoras catfish, peaceful freshwater nano fish, and small plecos.

Breeding

While breeding this rare species in captivity is still a rewarding challenge for hobbyists, they follow typical egg-scattering characin behaviors. To attempt breeding, condition a pair with premium live foods in a dedicated breeding tank setup featuring soft, slightly acidic water (pH 6.0), a raised temperature (~80°F), and plenty of spawning mops or fine-leaved plants like Java Moss. Because adult tetras will readily consume their own eggs, parent fish should be removed immediately after spawning occurs. Fry will hatch within 24 to 36 hours and require microscopic live foods like infusoria or rotifers as a first food.