Red Cherry Muzel Tetra - Hyphessobrycon sp. 'Mato Grosso'

Red Cherry Muzel Tetra (Hyphessobrycon sp. 'Muzel Red Cherry')

The Red Cherry Muzel Tetra is a beautiful and relatively rare freshwater fish admired for its vibrant cherry-red colouration, elegant fins and peaceful shoaling behaviour. Also known as the Muzel Red Cherry Tetra or Red Muzel Tetra, this striking South American characin develops rich orange-red to deep red tones that become particularly impressive as the fish matures. Its compact size, attractive appearance and lively social behaviour make it a desirable addition to established planted aquariums and peaceful tropical communities. When maintained in a well-sized group, these colourful tetras create an eye-catching display, especially against natural greenery and darker aquarium substrates.

Common Name:
Red Cherry Muzel Tetra, Muzel Red Cherry Tetra, Red Cherry Tetra, Red Muzel Tetra

Scientific Name (Latin):
Hyphessobrycon sp. 'Muzel Red Cherry'

Maximum Size:
Approximately 3–4 cm, with some specimens potentially reaching around 5 cm

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Red Cherry Muzel Tetra is associated with Brazil, with the Mato Grosso region frequently mentioned in aquarium trade information.

However, the precise natural distribution of Hyphessobrycon sp. 'Muzel Red Cherry' has not yet been reliably established, and its identity remains under scientific investigation.

The small stream and floodplain environments of central Brazil commonly contain submerged branches, leaf litter, marginal vegetation and sheltered areas with relatively gentle water movement.

These habitats provide a useful guide when recreating a suitable aquarium environment, although they should not be considered a confirmed description of this fish's exact wild habitat.

Specimens entering the aquarium trade have included captive-bred fish, helping establish this unusual tetra within specialist freshwater collections.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 23–27°C
pH Range: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to Moderately Hard, approximately 3–12 dGH
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: Kept low and stable

Temperament:
Peaceful

Red Cherry Muzel Tetras are generally peaceful, social fish that are best maintained in groups of at least 8–10 individuals.

Larger groups of 12 or more are particularly rewarding, encouraging confident swimming, natural colour displays and interactions between individuals.

Mature males may occasionally display towards one another or establish small temporary territories, particularly around plants and sheltered areas. These interactions are generally manageable when sufficient space and cover are provided.

They are best housed with peaceful, similarly sized community fish that share their preference for stable tropical freshwater conditions.

Avoid large predatory fish, aggressive species and particularly boisterous tankmates that may intimidate these relatively small tetras.

Diet:
Omnivore

Red Cherry Muzel Tetras accept a varied aquarium diet and are well suited to quality prepared foods supplemented with small live or frozen foods.

Offer high-quality tropical flakes, fine granules or appropriately sized micro pellets as their staple diet.

Supplementary foods can include frozen or live baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, small bloodworms and other suitably sized aquatic invertebrates.

These protein-rich foods are particularly useful for supporting healthy growth, breeding condition and the development of vibrant red colouration.

Small amounts of vegetable-based ingredients can also be incorporated into their feeding routine.

Offer small portions once or twice daily, ensuring all individuals receive sufficient food without excessive waste.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 80 litres

Although Red Cherry Muzel Tetras remain relatively small, they are active social fish that benefit from adequate horizontal swimming space.

An aquarium measuring approximately 70–80 cm in length or greater is recommended for a well-sized group.

Larger aquariums are preferable for substantial shoals or mixed community setups.

Provide a combination of open swimming areas, natural plants, driftwood and shaded sections to encourage confident behaviour and allow individuals to establish comfortable spaces within the aquarium.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Red Cherry Muzel Tetra is an active midwater swimmer that generally occupies the middle regions of the aquarium, occasionally exploring upper areas when feeding.

Its most attractive feature is the development of vivid orange-red to cherry-red body colouring, often complemented by more intensely coloured fins.

Mature males may develop slightly larger bodies and more extended finnage, displaying towards females and competing males.

The dorsal fin can show a distinctive pale edge, while faint darker markings may be visible around the shoulder region.

Young or recently transported specimens may appear paler, with stronger colours developing as they settle into stable aquarium conditions.

Although these fish naturally associate in groups, they may also spread out around plants and aquarium features when relaxed.

A planted aquarium containing a combination of open swimming space and sheltered areas allows them to display their natural social behaviour.

Community Suitability:
Community Fish

Red Cherry Muzel Tetras are well suited to peaceful tropical freshwater community aquariums, particularly established planted setups.

Suitable tankmates include small rasboras, peaceful tetras, pencilfish, smaller Corydoras catfish and other non-aggressive species with compatible water requirements.

They may also coexist with peaceful freshwater shrimp, although very small shrimp and newly hatched shrimplets may be viewed as food.

Avoid large predatory species, aggressive cichlids and highly competitive tankmates that may prevent them from feeding comfortably.

Their relatively small adult size makes them particularly attractive for carefully planned community aquariums where peaceful fish and natural planting are prioritised.

Maintaining a sufficiently large group helps encourage settled behaviour and allows their striking colours and social interactions to be appreciated.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a mature, well-established freshwater aquarium with stable water chemistry and efficient biological filtration.

Red Cherry Muzel Tetras should be maintained in groups of at least 8–10 individuals, with larger groups recommended where aquarium space allows.

Include plenty of live aquarium plants, driftwood and sheltered areas while retaining open space for swimming.

A darker substrate can help emphasise their rich red colouration, while floating plants or diffused lighting provide comfortable shaded areas.

Although captive-bred specimens may tolerate a reasonable range of water conditions, soft to moderately hard water with a slightly acidic to neutral pH is recommended.

Regular partial water changes are important for maintaining excellent water quality and preventing the accumulation of dissolved waste.

Feed a varied diet containing quality prepared foods alongside frozen or live foods to support natural colour development and healthy condition.

Males may occasionally display or defend small areas around aquarium plants, so providing sufficient cover and space is beneficial.

Avoid housing them with aggressive, predatory or excessively boisterous fish.

As this is a relatively uncommon tetra with an unresolved scientific identity, information about its exact wild habitat and natural distribution remains limited.

Captive-bred specimens should be selected where possible, and newly acquired fish should be acclimatised carefully to avoid sudden changes in temperature or water chemistry.

Suitable for:
Beginner to Intermediate

Availability:
Occasional / Rare / Captive-bred specimens available

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.