Our Guide To Keeping Raccoon Tetra Fish

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon procyon
   • Common name: Raccoon Tetra
   • Family: Acestrorhamphidae
   • Origin: Rio Aripuanã basin, Brazil, South America
   • Adult length: Up to around 4 to 5 cm
   • Lifespan: Around 3 to 5 years
   • Diet: Omnivore
   • Care Level: Moderate
   • Temperament: Peaceful schooling fish

2. Tank Setup:

   • Raccoon Tetras do best in a well-structured aquarium with open swimming space alongside areas of cover. A minimum tank size of around 60L is suitable for a small group, though a larger aquarium is preferable for long-term care.
   • Use driftwood, scattered rocks, subdued lighting, and patches of planting or floating cover to help them feel secure and display their best colours.
   • A darker substrate can help these fish settle more quickly, and they are best kept in groups of at least six to eight specimens.

3. Water Parameters:

   • Raccoon Tetras prefer soft, slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH range of around 6.0 to 7.0.
   • Keep the water temperature between 24 to 28°C.
   • Soft to moderately soft water is generally preferred for best colour and condition.

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • Gentle to moderate filtration is ideal, with clean, well-oxygenated water and stable conditions.
   • In nature this species is associated with clear water habitats, so regular maintenance and good water quality are important.

5. Diet:

   • Raccoon Tetras are omnivores and should be offered a varied diet of quality micro pellet or fine flake food.
   • They will also benefit from small live or frozen foods such as daphnia, baby brine shrimp, cyclops, and finely sized bloodworm.
   • Occasional vegetable-based foods or foods containing plant matter can help provide additional balance.

6. Tank mates:

   • Raccoon Tetras are peaceful and are best kept with other small, calm community fish that enjoy similar water conditions.
   • Suitable tank mates may include other peaceful tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, small Corydoras, and other gentle species.
   • Avoid large, aggressive, or very boisterous fish that may stress or outcompete them.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Raccoon Tetras are active shoaling fish that feel most secure when kept in groups.
   • Males can show stronger finnage and colour, and may display to one another without serious aggression in a suitably sized aquarium.
   • They are best suited to peaceful community aquariums with stable water quality, subdued lighting, and plenty of visual security.