Holopristis pulchra – Garnet Tetra
Holopristis pulchra was first described by Werner Ladiges in 1938. Their common name is Garnet Tetra. Holopristis pulchra belongs to the family Acestrorhamphidae, also known as the American tetras.
The genus name Holopristis, introduced by Eigenmann in 1903, is derived from the Greek“hólos” (ὅλος), meaning “whole” or “complete,” and“pristis“, derived from“prístēs” (πρίστης), meaning “sawman” (one who saws). This name probably refers to the upper jaw of H. ocellifera, with “teeth along the entire margin.”
The species name pulchra is Latin for “beautiful” or “elegant,” and describes the fish as “beautifully colored” in its natural habitat.
Synonym: Hemigrammus pulcher
Description
Holopristis pulchra has an elongated, slightly flattened body. The basic color is pale yellow to pale lemon yellow. On the flanks there is a distinctive, black spot that extends to the root of the tail. This black spot is often wedge-shaped. The head is pale yellow, and the fins are translucent to pale yellow, sometimes with a slight tinge of pink or orange. The fish reaches a maximum length of about 4.5 centimeters.
Sex differences: Adult females are rounder and fuller in body than males. The main difference is the shape of the swim bladder, which is visible through the semi-transparent body. In males, the swim bladder is pointed, while in females it is round. Behavioral differences between the sexes are subtle; males can sometimes harass gravid (pregnant) females, but this is not aggressive behavior.
Behavior and Temperament: Holopristis pulchra is a peaceful fish species that is best enjoyed in a group of at least 6 individuals (a shoal). They are not shy and swim in the middle water column. They are social fish that like to stay together in groups.
They used to be available most of the time in local fish stores but are a bit harder to come by nowadays. You can find their cousins Hemmigrammus ocellifer more often now.
Biotope
Holopristis pulchra is native to Peru, Brazil and possibly Colombia. However, most specimens offered in the trade, are farmed. The fish lives in the upper Amazon basin in Peru.
They are river fish that live in slow-flowing Amazon tributaries, usually under dense tree cover. Their natural habitat is characterized by a dark, acidic water column, a bottom of river sand and an abundance of underwater vegetation and driftwood. The banks are covered with trees, providing shade and organic matter in the water.
Diet
Diet in the wild: In their natural habitat, Holopristis pulchra feeds on worms, small crustaceans and plant material.
Diet in the aquarium: In an aquarium, they can be fed small live foods (such as Artemianauplii) and good quality dry food. A varied diet is recommended.
The Aquarium
A group of 6 to 8 Holopristis pulchra requires an aquarium at least 60 cm in length. For larger groups, the aquarium should be proportionally larger.
Furnish the aquarium with a dark, soft bottom of fine sand. A dense planting of fine-leaved plants, floating plants and some driftwood creates a natural environment that puts the fish at ease and provides shade. Rocks are not necessary.
Water parameters: The ideal water values are a pH of 6-7 and hardness (dH) to a maximum of 18 degrees, at a temperature of 23 to 27°C .
Compatibility: Holopristis pulchra is a peaceful fish that goes well with other small, peaceful fish species that prefer similar water values. Suitable co-inhabitants are other small characids, tetras, or other fish that are not aggressive and do not pose a threat to Holopristis pulchra. Avoid larger or aggressive fish.
Breeding Aquarium and Conditioning
A separate breeding aquarium is used for breeding Holopristis pulchra. A suitable size is about 45 x 25 x 25 cm. The water should be soft and acidic (pH 5.5-6.5), which can be achieved using a peat filter. Lighting should be dimmed and a small, quiet sponge filter is sufficient. Fine-leaved plants, such as Java moss, should be present as egg-laying sites.
To prepare the fish for breeding (conditioning), they are fed abundantly with small live feeds. Males and females are kept separate until the females are full of eggs and the males show their best colors. Then one or more pairs are placed in the breeding aquarium. A good ratio is a group of about half a dozen males and females, or several pairs.
The Spawn
During spawning, the colors of Holopristis pulchra become more intense. Males show brighter shades of yellow and orange, while females become fuller and rounder. The courting ritual includes chasing and showing the colors by the males.
The eggs are deposited on fine-leaved plants, such as Java moss, or on other suitable surfaces in the breeding aquarium. Laying usually takes place in the morning or evening, as with many other fish species.
They are egg-laying fish that do not protect their eggs. The eggs are deposited scattered. The number of eggs per clutch is relatively many. The eggs are small and transparent. After the eggs are deposited, the parents are removed to prevent cannibalism.
Raising the Young Fish
The eggs hatch after 20-24 hours. The young fish begin to swim freely 2-3 days later . There is no parental care in this species; the parents eat the eggs and young if they get the chance, therefore they should be removed after the eggs are laid.
The first feed consists of infusoria, followed by Artemia nauplii after a week.
Particularities
Some additional details about Holopristis pulchra:
- Taxonomic history: The species was formerly known by the name Hemigrammus pulcher, but has recently been classified under the genus Holopristis. This name change has also affected the spelling of the species name.
- Availability: Most specimens in the trade are bred, not caught in the wild.
- Water parameters: Although ideal water values are soft and acidic (pH 6-7, dH to 18), cultured specimens adapt to a wider range of conditions.
- Behavior in the aquarium: Males can sometimes harass pregnant females, but this is not aggressive behavior. Ample hiding places are recommended.
- Breeding: Breeding is not easy and requires patience and attention to proper water parameters and the provision of suitable laying sites. The parents should be removed after egg laying to avoid cannibalism. The young are fed with infusoria and later Artemianauplii.
- Geographic distribution: The species occurs in the upper Amazon basin in Peru, and possibly also in Brazil and Colombia. The fish lives in neotropical zoogeographic areas and in the Amazon River Basin.
Conclusion
Holopristis pulchra, the Garnet Tetra, is an attractive, peaceful fish suitable for the experienced aquarium keeper. Although they are not extremely difficult to keep, successful breeding does require attention to specific water parameters and the provision of suitable laying sites. The tendency of the parents to eat their eggs and young, makes breeding extra challenging. A well-designed aquarium with adequate hiding places and a group of at least six specimens is essential for their well-being.
The conspicuous behavior of the males that sometimes harass pregnant females, is a point of interest. The combination of their shy nature and the need for specific water parameters makes this fish less suitable for beginners. Despite the challenges of breeding, keeping this species of fish is a rewarding experience for those willing to invest the time and effort.
Video
Author
John de Lange
Copyright images
References
FishBase – Holopristis pulchra – Garnet tetra
Wikipedia – Holopristis pulcher
Seriously Fish – Hemigrammus pulcher (Pretty Tetra)
Fishkeeper – Pretty Tetra
Aquaticcommunity – Spawning the Pretty / Garnet Tetra – Hemigrammus pulcher
