Hyphessobrycon vilmae, the Vilmae or Chocolate Neon Tetra, shared last week by Nautilus Tropical Fish Wholesale. Image credit: Mike Jacobs

Last week, the staff at Nautilus Tropical Fish Wholesale in Plant City, FL, were excited to show off one of their newest imports, the rarely-seen Vilmae Tetra.

The Insider’s Viewpoint

Says Sales Manager Joe Hiduke, “Hyphessobrycon vilmae are in stock. This is the first time they are available at Nautilus. They are a rarely-seen Brazilian import, found in the upper Rio Tapajos basin. They have been traded under the common name of Chocolate Neon Tetra. They are similar to the common Black Neons in appearance, but with a reddish stripe above the black lateral stripe. They seem to adapt to moderately hard neutral water, but will certainly need soft acidic water to show their best colors, and to induce courtship and reproduction. They also exhibit slight sexual dimorphism; when settled in, the males will show subtle white tips on their fin edges.”

While supply and demand make forecasting a retail price a bit difficult, it’s fair to say that this was the most expensive small tetra offered for sale by Nautilus this week, commanding a price double the typical Cardinal Tetra. In the grand scheme of things, that seems like a very reasonable premium to pay when acquiring something rather unique.

How To Get Them

If you’re into off-beat Tetras, this one is a win. Ask your local fish store to get you some; they can reach Nautilus Tropical Fish Wholesale through their website at www.nautilusmarinewholesale.com.