Peppermill Tetra

Peppermill Tetra (Hyphessobrycon peugeoti)

AKA: Peugeot Tetra

A vibrant and recently described (2013) red tetra from the Rio Juruena basin in central Brazil. Named after the Peugeot family, whose reforestation project in the region led to the discovery of this species, it stands out with its overall red coloration and the males’ strikingly elongated, filamentous dorsal fin — a feature unique among its close relatives.

Key Features

• Maximum Size: 3.2 cm / ~1.3 inches SL.
• Appearance: Elongated, compressed body with a brilliant overall red hue in life. Mature males develop a conspicuously long, filamentous dorsal fin that adds elegance and movement to the school. Females are similar but lack the extended fin.
• Fin Details: Dorsal soft rays 9; anal soft rays 19–24 (branched).

Aquarium Care

• Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons for a school of 8–10+ (ideal for planted or biotope setups).
• Water Parameters: Tropical freshwater; 75–82°F (24–28°C), pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard. Excellent water quality and dense planting or floating plants are recommended.
• Diet: Omnivorous — accepts high-quality micro-pellets, flakes, and small frozen or live foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia).
• Behavior: Peaceful, active schooling tetra. Best kept in larger groups to display natural behavior and reduce shyness. Excellent for planted community tanks with other small, non-aggressive species.

IUCN Status Least Concern (LC)