Care
The tiny Tucano tetra is a blackwater species found in the Rio Uapes region, its small size making it a great fit for the brooks that become tributories of the Rio Negro. Here, an abundance of submerged roots and leaf litter makes a complex matrix of habitat. The water in the native habitat is soft and acidic, and stained a tea colour from the tannins in the decaying leaves and wood.
The aquarium should be mature and furnished with a sandy substrate, tangles of driftwood, and areas of dense planting. The driftwood will create lots of shady areas/visual barriers, and the tannins that are gradually released should help to acidify the water whilst giving it a natural, clear tea-colour. Botanicals such as dead leaves will add greatly to the look and function of the aquarium, but these will require periodic replacement. More social than schooling, males will guard spawning territories and broken sightlines will help reduce friction. These delicate fish occupy the mid-lower level of the aquarium, and will be at their best in a set-up that prioritises their needs, but if tankmates are desired, opt for other small characins such as Carnegiella, Copella, Hemigrammus, Hyphessobrycon, or Nannostomus spp. that occupy the mid-upper levels, along with small loricariids such as Otocinclus spp.
May also be seen as Tucan or Toucan tetra, but this species is named in honour of the Tucano tribe rather than any resemblance to the tropical birds.
Feeding
Micropredator which must be provided with small sized meaty frozen foods such as mini-bloodworm, daphnia, cyclops, and baby brineshrimp (Artemia nauplii). Unlikely to take dried foods, so only purchase if you can supply frozen foods on an ongoing basis.
Breeding
This species has been bred in the home aquarium, although it is moderately difficult and not a frequent occurrence. The aquarium should be set up with very soft, acidic water
