Hummingbird Tetra
Hummingbird Tetra
Hummingbird Tetra (Trochilocharax ornatus) is one of the most extraordinarily tiny and beautiful nano tetras in the hobby — barely reaching 1.3 cm (half an inch), making it one of the smallest characins available. The name references the hummingbird's tiny size and rapid movement — this fish darts and hovers with a quick, vibrating motion that recalls the eponymous bird. It belongs to its own monotypic genus Trochilocharax.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Micro Pellets (crushed or soaked) and Sera Vipan Baby make excellent daily staples. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp and Hikari Frozen Daphnia. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily in a calm environment.
Native to blackwater streams of the upper Rio Negro drainage in Brazil — extremely soft, acidic, tannin-stained water. A specialist fish requiring a mature, established blackwater setup.
Keep in groups of at least 12. A species-specific or nano blackwater setup is strongly recommended. Any fish larger than 1.5 inches is a potential threat.
One of the most extraordinary nano fish in the hobby — a genuine specialist find. The Hummingbird Tetra requires commitment to blackwater conditions but rewards with one of the most captivating small fish available.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Moderate — Advanced |
| Temperament | Peaceful — nano blackwater specialist |
| Typical Adult Size | 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 12 minimum — species or nano tank |
| Ideal Temp | 73–82°F (23–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 5.0–6.5 |
| Ideal GH | 0–5 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 0–2 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Micro Pellets (crushed/soaked); Sera Vipan Baby |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp; Hikari Frozen Daphnia |
| Origin | Upper Rio Negro drainage, Amazonas state, Brazil |
| Notes | Monotypic genus Trochilocharax. One of smallest characins — 0.5 inches. Rapid hovering motion like hummingbird. True blackwater specialist. |
