Tetra fish become one of the most popular freshwater fish among aquarium hobbyists due to their colorful and attractive appearance. With the ease of care, Tetra fishes are also the ideal choice for fishkeepers who have just started their aquarium journey. There are a lot of types of tetra fish that can be perfect for any fish tank. Let’s figure it out with us!
Origin
Almost tetra fish species are schooling fish belonging to the Characidae family that come from the river and stream systems of South America, Central America, or Africa. In a natural habitat, they are found living in soft and acidic water. These tiny freshwater fish have an average of 1.5 - 2 inches in length. As a schooling fish, it’s better to keep them in a schooling fish with at least 6 individuals. A fun fact about tetra fish varieties is that they can be distinguished from any other fish by a small adipose fin between the caudal and dorsal fin. Here are the top 10 popular tetra fish for aquarium that both beginners and advanced fishkeepers can add to their fish collection.
Top 10 Attractive Tetra Fish
Neon Tetra
Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) is at the top of this list as they are the most famous among aquarium hobbyists. The mature neon tetras have an average of 1.5 inches (4cm) in overall length and are distinguished from other types of tetra fishes by their attractive appearances. They have a horizontal blue stripe from the nose to the base of the adipose fin that spreads to each side of the body and a red stripe extends from the middle to the base of the caudal fin. These stripes are iridescent and can change color based on the conditions of lighting. This makes Neon Tetra become one of the most popular types of tetra fish that can be added to any aquarium.
Cardinal Tetra
Most people misidentification the Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) vs Neon Tetra due to the same colors of their bodies. The difference is the iridescent red stripe of the Cardinal Tetras runs along the body while the Neon Tetras just halfway. Besides that, the Cardinal Tetras is also harder and has a larger overall length which can grow up to 2 inches (5 cm). Like other types of tetra fish, Cardinal Tetra is very peaceful and can be the best tankmate in the aquarium. Remember to keep the temperature stable at 80F to 85F as higher temperatures can help to increase metabolism.
Rummy-Nose Tetra
The Rummy-nose tetra (Hemigrammus bleheri) is also one of the most popular tetra fish species due to its vibrant appearance. They have a translucent silver body with horizontal black and white stripes on their caudal fin and a dark red head coming along with the red iris eyes. These elements make them stand out from other fish in the aquarium. When the Rummy-nose Tetra fish become stressed, their rosy coloration fades rapidly. So, observe them frequently and check the water condition and temperature to prevent any important problems that may come.
Ember Tetra
The Ember Tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae) is the perfect choice for fish keepers with nano aquarium tank due to its tiny size - about 0.8 inches (2 cm). Their translucent orange bodies make them more vibrant and stunning in the planted aquarium. When creating a habitat for them, it’s better to provide more hiding spots with live aquarium plants and aquarium driftwood.
Emperor Tetra
With shimmering silver bodies featuring bold black and blue stripes, Emperor tetras (Nematobrycon palmeri) become one of the most attractive types of tetra fish. These tetras add elegance to larger community tanks and are known for their active yet non-aggressive behavior. Their striking coloration stands out against lush green aquarium plants and dark aquarium substrates, creating a visually appealing aquatic environment. Emperor tetras thrive in stable water conditions with ample swimming space and a balanced diet.
Silver Tip Tetra
Silver Tip Tetras (Hasemania nana) exhibit a subtle yet distinctive beauty with their silver bodies and contrasting black markings on their dorsal and anal fins. These peaceful tetras thrive in schooling fish, making them an excellent choice for community aquariums. Their small size and unassuming demeanor make them compatible with many tankmates such as freshwater shrimps, provided the water quality is maintained. Silver Tip Tetras prefer planted tanks with subdued aquarium lighting to mimic their natural habitat.
Black Neon Tetra
Black Neon Tetras (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi) are named for their sleek black bodies accented with neon blue stripes, creating a striking contrast. These tetras add a touch of sophistication to any aquarium setup and are known for their hardy nature and ease of care. They thrive in schooling fish and appreciate a well-decorated tank with hiding spots like aquatic driftwood and open swimming areas. Regular water changes and a balanced diet ensure these tetras maintain their vibrant coloration and active behavior.
X-Ray Tetra or Pristella Tetra
X-ray Tetras (Pristella maxillaris) are admired for their translucent bodies that shimmer under aquarium lights. These tetra fishes feature a subtle silver shine with a prominent black lateral line and fin markings, adding a unique charm to fish tanks. X-ray tetras are peaceful and social, preferring to be kept in schooling fish to feel secure. They are adaptable to various water conditions but thrive in slightly acidic to neutral pH levels. Providing a varied diet and ample swimming space ensures these tetras thrive in captivity.
Lemon Tetra
Lemon Tetras (Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) are named for their bright yellow-gold coloration, which brings a splash of sunshine to any aquarium. These Tetras are peaceful and social, making them excellent tankmates for a variety of freshwater fishes. They thrive in planted tanks with soft, slightly acidic water conditions. Regular water changes and a diverse diet contribute to their health and vibrant coloration, ensuring they remain active and engaging in the aquarium environment.
Congo Tetra
Congo Tetras (Phenacogrammus interruptus) are prized for their iridescent scales that shimmer with hues of blue and yellow. These tetras add a touch of the exotic to larger community tanks and are known for their peaceful temperament. They appreciate spacious tanks with ample swimming room and places to retreat. Congo tetras thrive in slightly acidic to neutral water conditions with stable parameters. A balanced diet and regular water changes help maintain their health and enhance their natural colors.
What Tetra Fish Eat?
Like many varieties of freshwater fishes, Tetra Fish are not picky eaters and they can consume various types of fish food, especially flakes food and pellets food. Whatever fish keepers feed their tetra fish, it’s better to balance their diet while providing enough nutrients for their health and growth. There are many popular brands of fish food that contain enough nutrients such as Sera fish food, Omega One fish food, New Life Spectrum, etc. These brands provide a wide variety of products with different ingredients and ratios that are specific for tetra fish needs.
How Tetra Fish Breed?
Breeding Tetra Fish can be a rewarding experience for aquarium enthusiasts looking to observe the natural behavior of these colorful freshwater species. Tetras typically spawn by scattering their eggs among fine-leaved plants or substrates within the aquarium. To encourage breeding, provide a separate breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water conditions, mimicking their natural habitat. It's essential to maintain stable water parameters, including a temperature between 80-85°F (27-30°C) and a pH level ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. Feeding tetras a varied diet rich in protein before spawning can also stimulate breeding behavior. Once the eggs are laid, remove adult tetras to prevent them from eating their own eggs. Fry (baby tetras) usually hatch within 24-36 hours and should be fed with specialized fry food or powdered flakes until they are large enough to consume regular fish food. Patience and careful monitoring of water quality throughout the breeding process are key to successfully raising healthy tetra fry.
Recommended Water Parameters for Tetra Fish
Maintaining appropriate water parameters is crucial for the health and well-being of tetra fish. Here are recommended water parameters to ensure your tetras thrive in the aquarium:
- Temperature: 80-85°F (27-30°C).
- pH Level: 6.0 - 7.5
- Water Hardness: 4-12 dGH
- Ammonia and Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate Levels: below 20 ppm
Conclusion
Tetra fish are not only visually stunning but also easy to care for, making them perfect for both beginners and seasoned aquarists alike. Their peaceful nature and vibrant colors add life and beauty to any aquarium. Whether you choose neon tetras for their iconic coloration or rummy-nose tetras for their distinctive markings, each species brings its charm to your aquatic environment. At Splashy Fish aquatic store, we supply a wide range of freshwater fish that come from reliable sources. We further guarantee that all of our Tetra fish will go through the quarantine process for 14 days before sale. We care about the quality and strive to provide you with the best we can. Visit our fish store online or our aquarium in washington dc area to find what surprise is waiting for you.
FAQs
When do Tetra fish lay eggs?
Tetra fish can lay eggs throughout the year, triggered by stable environmental conditions in the aquarium. They typically spawn in the early morning hours, often in response to changes in water parameters like temperature and pH, and the presence of suitable spawning sites such as fine-leaved plants. Providing a separate breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water encourages successful spawning. Eggs are scattered and adhere to surfaces; it's advisable to remove adult tetras after spawning to protect the eggs from being consumed.
Are Tetra fish aggressive?
Tetra fish are generally peaceful and make excellent community fish. However, aggression can vary between species and individual temperament. Larger tetras like the black skirt tetra may become territorial, especially during breeding or if the aquarium is overcrowded.
Can Tetra fish eat betta food?
Yes, high-quality betta foods that contain essential nutrients like protein and vitamins can be suitable for tetras as part of a varied diet. However, ensure the food is small enough for tetras to consume easily and meets their nutritional needs.
