Freshwater
Tetra
More details
Black Arrow Royal Tetra (Hyphessobrycon sp. “Black Arrow”)
Pro
Pro
Description
The Black Arrow Royal Tetra is a sleek and mysterious schooling fish known for its deep charcoal body, subtle iridescence, and flowing fins. Graceful yet understated, it adds contrast and harmony to planted or blackwater tanks.
Difficulty Level
Beginner Friendly
Region
Black Arrow Royal Tetra (Hyphessobrycon sp. “Black Arrow”)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Undemanding and peaceful. Does best in stable, well-cycled tanks with soft water and cover.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Some wild collection persists, but many are now captive-bred. Choose tank-raised stock when available.
Origin
Likely native to South American river systems in the Amazon or Orinoco basin. Exact taxonomic origin remains under review, but commonly imported from Brazil and Colombia.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Dark-bodied with a reflective lateral line, it shimmers subtly in motion. Moves as a tight, elegant school and helps create rhythm and flow in midwater zones. Especially striking when contrasted against greenery or subdued lighting.
Purpose
Excellent for filling the mid-column with calm motion and contrast. Functions as a dither species and enhances the perception of depth and movement in scapes.
Importance
Its peaceful nature and monochrome coloration make it ideal for breaking up overly bright or color-heavy layouts. Perfect for aquascapers aiming for minimalism or natural tones.
Included Resources
Prefers soft water, leaf litter, and gentle flow. Works best in tanks with driftwood, botanicals, and floating plants. Benefits from a black background or low lighting for maximum visual impact.
Best Use Cases
Ideal for blackwater tanks, nature aquascapes, or contrast setups with gold, red, or green species. Pairs beautifully with dwarf cichlids and Amazonian themes.
Conservation Context
Likely wild-caught unless specified otherwise. Support exporters or breeders who follow sustainable harvesting and transport protocols.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Pencilfish and hatchetfish
• Apistogramma and dwarf cichlids
• Otocinclus and Corydoras
• Shrimp-safe if well-fed
• Rasboras, ember tetras, or other peaceful microfish
Region (A)
• Latitude: -2.1631° S
• Longitude: -55.1266° W
(Tapajós River basin, Brazil)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 3.2700° N
• Longitude: -67.7435° W
(Orinoco drainage fringe, Colombia/Venezuela)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Black Arrow Royal Tetra (Hyphessobrycon sp. “Black Arrow”)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Undemanding and peaceful. Does best in stable, well-cycled tanks with soft water and cover.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Some wild collection persists, but many are now captive-bred. Choose tank-raised stock when available.
Origin
Likely native to South American river systems in the Amazon or Orinoco basin. Exact taxonomic origin remains under review, but commonly imported from Brazil and Colombia.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Dark-bodied with a reflective lateral line, it shimmers subtly in motion. Moves as a tight, elegant school and helps create rhythm and flow in midwater zones. Especially striking when contrasted against greenery or subdued lighting.
Purpose
Excellent for filling the mid-column with calm motion and contrast. Functions as a dither species and enhances the perception of depth and movement in scapes.
Importance
Its peaceful nature and monochrome coloration make it ideal for breaking up overly bright or color-heavy layouts. Perfect for aquascapers aiming for minimalism or natural tones.
Included Resources
Prefers soft water, leaf litter, and gentle flow. Works best in tanks with driftwood, botanicals, and floating plants. Benefits from a black background or low lighting for maximum visual impact.
Best Use Cases
Ideal for blackwater tanks, nature aquascapes, or contrast setups with gold, red, or green species. Pairs beautifully with dwarf cichlids and Amazonian themes.
Conservation Context
Likely wild-caught unless specified otherwise. Support exporters or breeders who follow sustainable harvesting and transport protocols.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Pencilfish and hatchetfish
• Apistogramma and dwarf cichlids
• Otocinclus and Corydoras
• Shrimp-safe if well-fed
• Rasboras, ember tetras, or other peaceful microfish
Region (A)
• Latitude: -2.1631° S
• Longitude: -55.1266° W
(Tapajós River basin, Brazil)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 3.2700° N
• Longitude: -67.7435° W
(Orinoco drainage fringe, Colombia/Venezuela)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Black Arrow Royal Tetra (Hyphessobrycon sp. “Black Arrow”)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Undemanding and peaceful. Does best in stable, well-cycled tanks with soft water and cover.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Some wild collection persists, but many are now captive-bred. Choose tank-raised stock when available.
Origin
Likely native to South American river systems in the Amazon or Orinoco basin. Exact taxonomic origin remains under review, but commonly imported from Brazil and Colombia.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Dark-bodied with a reflective lateral line, it shimmers subtly in motion. Moves as a tight, elegant school and helps create rhythm and flow in midwater zones. Especially striking when contrasted against greenery or subdued lighting.
Purpose
Excellent for filling the mid-column with calm motion and contrast. Functions as a dither species and enhances the perception of depth and movement in scapes.
Importance
Its peaceful nature and monochrome coloration make it ideal for breaking up overly bright or color-heavy layouts. Perfect for aquascapers aiming for minimalism or natural tones.
Included Resources
Prefers soft water, leaf litter, and gentle flow. Works best in tanks with driftwood, botanicals, and floating plants. Benefits from a black background or low lighting for maximum visual impact.
Best Use Cases
Ideal for blackwater tanks, nature aquascapes, or contrast setups with gold, red, or green species. Pairs beautifully with dwarf cichlids and Amazonian themes.
Conservation Context
Likely wild-caught unless specified otherwise. Support exporters or breeders who follow sustainable harvesting and transport protocols.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Pencilfish and hatchetfish
• Apistogramma and dwarf cichlids
• Otocinclus and Corydoras
• Shrimp-safe if well-fed
• Rasboras, ember tetras, or other peaceful microfish
Region (A)
• Latitude: -2.1631° S
• Longitude: -55.1266° W
(Tapajós River basin, Brazil)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 3.2700° N
• Longitude: -67.7435° W
(Orinoco drainage fringe, Colombia/Venezuela)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Black Arrow Royal Tetra (Hyphessobrycon sp. “Black Arrow”)
Region
Drag and orbit around the species’ natural range.
Drag to rotate and discover where this species originates in the world.
Drag to rotate and discover where this species originates in the world.
People also like…
