Breeding Challenge 2025/01 - Bleeding Blue Tetra

 

Welcome to the Aquarium Society of Victoria's latest challenge!

Breeding Challenge 2025/01 - Bleeding Blue Tetra (Hyphessobrycon margitae).

The ASOV has established this challenge with a view to creating continued support for newer aquarium fish species imported to the country.

This will increase the physical numbers available to the aquarium community and develop the skill and knowledge base of ASOV members. 

Background :

150 Bleeding Blue tetras were imported into the country recently by Aquarium Industries Pty Ltd of Melbourne.

ASOV has managed to purchase 100 of them.

ASOV entrants will pay the wholesale price of $10 each.

Thank you to Joel from Aquarium Industries for supplying the fish.

We also have sponsorship from two other sources for the challenge being:

Scott Haymes (Aqua Pics) providing kH powder to help with the water parameters.

Gregory Walker (Niskai Aquatics) providing Baby Booster for feeding the fry.

A big thank-you to them.

About the fish!!

 These are the fish currently in quarantine  - Day one  - eating baby brine and dried foods.

Known for their vibrant colours and unique breeding behaviours, the Bleeding Blue tetra present an exciting opportunity for both novice and experienced fish keepers.

They are a small tetra native to the rivers of South America and are known for their striking blue bodies and red fins. They are not only beautiful but are also peaceful, making them perfect for community tanks. However, breeding them can be a challenge due to their specific water conditions and dietary needs.

ASOV suggests the following based on research - however encourages its challenge entrants to conduct further investigation.

Get your tank ready!!

Setting Up the Ideal Breeding Environment

1. **Tank Size:** A minimum of 60 litres is recommended for keeping this species. This allows for adequate swimming space and helps reduce stress during the breeding process. However, breeding setups may vary.

2. **Water Conditions:** The Bleeding Blue Tetra prefers:

Soft, slightly acidic water.

pH of 6.0 to 7.0

Temperature of around 25°C

Regular water changes are crucial to maintaining optimal conditions.

 

 Challenge Rules

1. Eligibility: 

• Participants must be financial members of the Aquarium Society of Victoria and registered for the competition.

  2. Species Selection: 

• The ASOV committee locates and purchases all species based on availability and suitability.
• This species has been known to have been bred in captivity.
• Only healthy, disease-free fish should be used for breeding. Fish will be quarantined prior to distribution.
• A minimum of 5 and a maximum of 10 fish can be purchased by each entrant.
• The ASOV committee withholds the right to determine numbers per person if challenge entrants are greater than expected to provide a sufficient group of fish per person.  

3. Breeding Setup:

•  Participants must provide a suitable breeding environment, including tank size, water parameters (temperature, pH, etc.), and appropriate decorations or hiding spots.
•  Each breeding setup must be documented with photos or videos to be shared to the ASOV Member Jungle site, and with a view to supply as evidence and for use in articles or presentations aligned to the ASOV.

4. Breeding Process:

• Participants must document the entire breeding process, including courtship behaviour, spawning, and care of the fry.
• Regular updates should be submitted to the challenge organisers via Member Jungle. 

5. Judging Criteria:

• FIRST PRIZE $300:   The first person with a saleable fish (In this case 1.5 - 2cm fish), should advise the committee via the Member Jungle and or president@asov.com.au .
• It will be expected that fish will be offered for sale to members via the trading table and or Fish Fair, prior to offering any retail and wholesale stores. 
• SECOND PRIZE $200 -  The member who produces the most number of fry past 1-month-old  during the timeframe to be established.
• THIRD PRIZE $100 - Encouragement award to be decided by ASOV committee.

 All entrants should maintain quality of documentation: clarity and detail of the breeding process captured in photos, videos, or written reports.

•  Creativity in the breeding setup: Innovative tank design and care methods will be rewarded.

 Prizes:

• Other prizes will be awarded for various categories such as "Most Successful Breeder," "Best Documentation," and "Most Creative Setup."
• The overall winner will be awarded a trophy and a name on the Breeding Challenge Board.
• All participants will receive a certificate of participation.

8. Ethics and Responsibility:

•  Participants must adhere to ethical breeding practices and prioritise the welfare of the fish.
•  Any signs of neglect or unethical practices will lead to disqualification.

9  Disqualification:

•  Participants may be disqualified for not following the rules, submitting false information, or mistreating fish.

10. Feedback:

•  At the end of the challenge, participants will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the rules and organisation for future challenges.

 

GOOD LUCK!!!

Registration is via the ASOV - Events Page Events - ASOV - Breeding Challenge - 2025/01