Tetra fish are a well-liked option for novice and expert aquarium keepers alike. These little fish, who are prized for their vivid hues and calm disposition, can transform any aquarium into a dynamic, eye-catching exhibit. Tetras are a great choice if you want to enjoy the beauty of a well-balanced tank or want to add a splash of color.
It can be exciting to select the ideal tetras for your aquarium from the wide variety of species available. Every species, from the well-known Neon Tetra to the striking Black Phantom Tetra, has an own charm and personality all its own. These fish are a terrific addition to community tanks because they are also reasonably simple to care for.
This post will discuss 25 distinct tetra species that can add color to your aquarium. Because each one has a unique look and personality, you can find the ideal fit for your aquatic setup.
- Habitat and habitat
- Description
- Size
- Variety of species
- Copper
- Lemon
- Diamond
- Royal
- False royal tetras, or imperial tetras
- Mexican
- Columbian
- Fireflies
- Bloody
- Gold
- Fiery, Tetra von Rio or Amanda
- Black, or thorns
- White
- Congo
- Red-nosed tetras, or rodostomus
- Glass
- Blue
- Penguins
- Red-spotted, or rubrostigmas
- Tetragonopterus
- Tetra flashlight
- Long-finned black
- Mirror
- Red
- Cardinal
- Water
- Lighting
- Soil
- Decorations
- Plants
- Feeding
- Compatibility with other fish
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Habitat and habitat
South America is the tetra’s native land. Fish from the nations where the Amazon flows made their way to Europe.
This naturally led to several features in the content: tetra is thermophilic, meaning it likes isolated areas and snags to hide beneath.
It is important to remember that these fish are schooling and feel more at ease in the company of their fellow tribe members. Individuals within the species typically exhibit extreme timidity or aggression, leading to a very short lifespan.
Description
Tetras are members of the family Characin. These are predators, and small crustaceans, insects, and invertebrates are what they typically eat.
The fish share a common trait, despite their diverse species: they have an elongated, flexible body that resembles a rhombus.
These fish are characterized by their vivid scales, which can have the most amazing colors, depending on the species.
There isn’t much fin size. Behind the dorsal fin, many representatives have a wen devoid of bony needles.
Size
Tetras are medium-sized fish; most of them have bodies no longer than 5 cm, but some large species have lengths of up to 20 cm. Males typically have brighter colors and are slightly larger than females.
Aquarium enthusiasts favor tetra fish because of their easy maintenance, variety of species, and vivid colors. With 25 different varieties to pick from, they provide countless opportunities to create a vibrant and eye-catching aquatic environment, which makes them a great addition for both novice and seasoned aquarists.
Variety of species
It may come as a little shock to learn that there are so many different kinds of tetra fish, and each has special characteristics of its own.
Copper
This fish has a stunning copper color, and it frequently has a dark, nearly black stripe running the length of its body, which widens toward the tail.
Lemon
In the Amazon, the lemon fish was first found in 1937. The species’ light yellow, nearly lemon hue gave rise to its name.
Diamond
One of the earliest species to be found in aquariums was the diamond tetra. Its scales have a distinct sheen that is exclusive to adults.
The fish has an added charm because this shine is not present everywhere on its body, only in certain areas.
Royal
Alternatively, the royal palmeri. It has an intriguing blue-violet hue, and the darker stripe that runs along the abdomen area nicely contrasts with the lighter back. Rarely does the palmeri tetra grow to a size of 5 cm.
False royal tetras, or imperial tetras
There is also a name Tetra Kerri. Their exquisite coloring sets them apart.
Fascinating! Males and females differ significantly in color.
The adipose fin of males is blue, and their dorsal fin is longer. The entire body is covered in a broad iridescent stripe that stretches from the back, which is purple to sky-blue.
Adipose fins in females are red, but dorsal fins are similarly elongated. A broad, nearly black, dark blue stripe with a silvery gleam runs the length of the fish’s body.
Mexican
They go by the names cave or blind tetras as well. These fish cannot be kept in aquariums because they live in underwater caverns and are never exposed to the sun in their natural habitat.
They cannot be kept in a tank exposed to direct sunlight; instead, blue- or red-spectrum lamps are used to provide extra lighting.
Columbian
The Columbian sapphire tetra is easily identified by its medium body size (approximately 7 cm) and serene demeanor. Its fins are reddish, and its color is silvery-gray.
Fascinating! Males and females are essentially identical.
Fireflies
The color of a firefly, or notebook light erythrosonus, is distinct.
Despite having brown pigmentation throughout her body, the fish appears extremely vibrant due to a greenish tint and a bright red stripe that runs the length of her body.
Bloody
Tetra Minor, also known as Bloody, stands out for its unique color scheme, which consists of an olive-colored back and scarlet, nearly blood-red sides with a dark edging around the feathers that gives them expressiveness.
Gold
The variety’s name was predetermined by their glossy yellow color. The fish’s body is divided by a greenish strip; the head of the tail bears the same markings.
Fiery, Tetra von Rio or Amanda
Amanda is a tiny fish, up to 4 cm long, with a translucent body and a brilliant body. The fish in the aquarium is unmistakable due to its fiery longitudinal strip that runs through its entire body.
Black, or thorns
Aquarists are familiar with ternation, an incredibly beautiful fish. The dark body has two transverse stripes. Fins give the fish an extra touch of style.
There are isomorphic tetra varieties that have experienced genetic modification; these are referred to as glowfish or tetra glo.
Their progeny inherit their vivid neon color. However, the exterior features of the Tetra caramel are not inherited because it is painted by hand.
White
An artificially bred isomorph of the black tetra is the white tetra. White tetras lack melanin in their skin cells, but their pigment markings are situated in a manner akin to that of black tetras.
Congo
Their translucent body is a stunning shade of blue or silver-blue, with an orange line extending through it all.
The iridescent green and blue plumage, resembling a veil, is truly captivating. In addition to lacking this type of plumage, females are about 6 cm smaller than males.
Red-nosed tetras, or rodostomus
The bright red spot on the red-nosed fish’s head gives it an extremely expressive appearance. When paired with a pliable body that is silver-gray, this produces an intriguing contrast.
Glass
The glass tetra is a fairly expressive, medium-sized (up to 7 cm) representative of the species. Its body is thin and nearly transparent, with a vivid red tail fin.
Blue
A stunning variety of transparent blue with a body stripe that is violet in hue. On the back, an olive glare plays. The fish is tiny; its length is no more than 5 cm.
Penguins
The penguin is a fish that is around 7 cm in size. Its entire body is bordered in yellow, and it has a greenish-brown stripe running along its belly.
Red-spotted, or rubrostigmas
The fish is also known as "bleeding heart" because of a prominent red patch in the middle of its silvery-pink body.
Tetragonopterus
A strikingly vivid silvery-gray fish featuring bright reddish plumage and a black stripe running along the middle of its body. The scales are tinted neon. Compared to males, females are somewhat bigger.
Tetra flashlight
Fish that are small (up to 5 cm) with a transparent-silver body and a red mark that is distinctive to their eyes. Additionally, there are two dark spots: one at the base of the tail and one behind the gill line.
Long-finned black
Tetra isomorphic in nature. Its amazing fan-shaped plumage is what makes it unique.
Mirror
Easily interbreeds with the fire tetra and brings to mind that species. distinguished by two dark marks above the head and a silvery mirror-like color.
Red
Possess a reddish-yellow hue that deepens toward the tail as they mature. The body has three transverse dark stripes.
Cardinal
We most commonly know this fish by its common name, neon. Its blue-red hue does, in fact, have a neon undertone.
It is even possible to populate these inconspicuous fish in micro aquariums (30 liters is sufficient for a small school).
Crucial! There needs to be a lid on the aquarium. Tetras can leap out of the water and are extremely jittery.
Water
Tetras are warm-blooded. Ideal They operate in a temperature range of +23 to +27 °C.
Tetra Algumin, a unique instrument that controls algae reproduction without endangering fish, can be added to the water to keep anything from seeing the pets’ daily lives.
Lighting
Tetras have a preference for soft, diffused light. Since an aquarium containing these fish cannot be placed in direct sunlight, low-power lighting is preferable.
Soil
Small pebbles or sand can be placed on the aquarium’s bottom because tetras do not disturb the substrate. There are no particular requirements for the soil.
Decorations
Many shelters are required for a school to live comfortably, including:
- decorative grottoes;
- castles;
- ruins;
- amphoras;
- snags.
We will look into and use each of these components in games. Seashells are the only ornamental item that is best avoided because they make the water harder.
Plants
Tetras enjoy hiding among the stems of algae, but it’s important to remember their small size and avoid packing too many plants in one area. Thick underbrush can make it difficult to see, and the fish will blend in with the background.
Feeding
Although their food is not particularly fancy, it is important to take into account that tetra has a unique diet because they only consume the water’s surface. Anything that hits the bottom is going to stay there. Live food should never be used for feeding because it can contaminate water.
You can use any other professional food in addition to the specialized foods "Tetra Mix" and "Tetra Rubin."
Compatibility with other fish
Because they are calm fish, tetras get along well with other peaceful fish.
It is best to avoid settling copper tetras with fish that have veil plumage, like veiltails.
The ideal tetra neighbor is:
Species | Description |
Neon Tetra | Bright blue body with a red stripe, small and peaceful. |
Cardinal Tetra | Similar to Neon Tetra but with a longer red stripe, vibrant colors. |
Glowlight Tetra | Orange-red body with a glowing stripe, peaceful and hardy. |
Black Phantom Tetra | Dark black with striking red eyes, adds contrast to the tank. |
Ember Tetra | Small with a bright orange color, great for smaller tanks. |
Rummy-Nose Tetra | White body with a red head and black stripe, excellent schooling fish. |
White Skirt Tetra | Silver body with long fins, very adaptable and easy to care for. |
Red Eye Tetra | Silvery body with distinctive red eyes, adds a vibrant touch. |
Colombian Tetra | Bright colors with a unique body shape, prefers larger tanks. |
Rainbow Tetra | Colorful with a variety of hues, lively and active. |
Silver Tip Tetra | Silvery body with black-tipped fins, a striking addition. |
Gold Tetra | Golden yellow body, adds a warm glow to the aquarium. |
Cherry Tetra | Deep red coloration, peaceful and easy to care for. |
Longfin Tetra | Similar to the regular Tetra but with longer fins, elegant appearance. |
Clown Tetra | Brightly colored with distinct patterns, adds charm to any tank. |
Penguin Tetra | Dark body with a distinctive fin shape, adds a unique look. |
Gold Neon Tetra | Golden version of the Neon Tetra, vibrant and eye-catching. |
Azure Tetra | Bright blue body with a contrasting stripe, adds vivid color. |
Pygmy Tetra | Very small with a delicate appearance, ideal for nano tanks. |
Halfbeak Tetra | Unique body shape with a beak-like mouth, adds interest. |
Corydoras Tetra | Peaceful and bottom-dwelling, adds a different level to the tank. |
Black Neon Tetra | Black body with neon stripes, a dramatic and striking fish. |
Marbled Tetra | Patterned body with marbled colors, interesting visual appeal. |
Venezuelan Tetra | Bright colors and peaceful nature, good for community tanks. |
Farlowella Tetra | Unique appearance with a long body, adds a quirky touch. |
Rainbowfin Tetra | Colorful with a rainbow effect, lively and vibrant. |
Orangefin Tetra | Bright orange fins with a contrasting body, eye-catching. |
Tetra fish have the ability to completely change any aquarium into an amazing underwater display with their vivid colors and varied patterns. It is simple to select the ideal match for the ecological balance and aesthetic appeal of your tank because each of the 25 species featured has distinctive qualities.
There is a Tetra fish that can improve the beauty of your aquatic setup, whether you’re looking for the eye-catching glow of the Cardinal Tetra or the striking neon blue of the Neon Tetra. They are also a fantastic option for community tanks due to their adaptability and tranquil nature.
The correct combination of Tetra species can help you design an aquarium that is both visually stimulating and dynamic, giving your fish a healthy habitat in addition to looking fantastic. Look through these choices to determine which combinations will best realize your aquatic vision.