Remarks:  The jeweled golden tetra is a fairly new and uncommon tetra within the hobby. They were first recorded in 1991 by Lowe-McConnell but did not receive an official scientific name until 2002. Notably, these fish look similar to the more common silver tip tetra (Hasemania nana) especially when immature. The best way to tell young specimens of the two species apart is by looking to see if the fish in question has an adipose fin. All members of the Hasemania genus lack an adipose fin which includes the silver tip tetra. In contrast, the jeweled golden tetra does have an adipose finas they belong to the Hyphessobrycon genus. Mature specimens of the jeweled golden tetra show their further difference from the silver tip tetra in how they display far more intense coloration with richer orange/gold colors and black at the base of the tail. In addition to their richer colors, they also grow to a smaller size than the silver tip tetra making them a great choice for smaller tanks.

  Both the Rio Tocantins and the Rio Tapajós contain populations of jeweled golden tetras. They inhabit areas of slower moving waters, usually tributary pools connecting to the main rivers, where the water is warm, shallow, and heavily stained with tannins from the copious amounts of botanicals. As is typical of these types of habitats, the water is also soft and acidic. For the jeweled golden tetra to thrive and encourage spawning, these conditions should be replicated in the home aquarium. Feeding them a varied diet will further ensure these tetras remain healthy as they are omnivorous micropredators feeding on any small morsels of food they can find. Keeping them in groups of 6-8 or more is also necessary as with most smaller tetras, they are a social species that can be found in large schools in the wild. When choosing tankmates for the jeweled golden tetra, its small size and somewhat shy nature should be taken into consideration. Tankmates should be peaceful, not large enough to swallow them, and prefer the same water parameters as these tetras. Otherwise, there are many choices for tankmates for the jeweled golden tetra making them a great addition to the peaceful community aquarium. Tetras that are sick or stressed will become washed out and drab in color giving indicators that something is wrong in regards to their tank. If instead all their needs are attended to, the jeweled golden tetra will show intense coloration and active swimming patterns making them a true gem of a tetra.