Tetras, those diminutive and brilliantly hued denizens of freshwater, proudly claim their spot within the characin family. Their vivacious pigments render them beloved members of the aquarium community, celebrated for their chromatic splendor.
Spanning over 150 distinct species worldwide, tetras trace their origins to the tropical South American domain and the damp African milieu of East Africa, favoring residence in expansive river networks.
A realm of tranquility characterizes the majority of tetra individuals, though a few outliers lean toward aggression or semi-aggression. Remarkably, the males submit to a smaller stature than their female counterparts. During the breeding phase, females display a tendency to place their eggs upon buoyant foliage. Naturally, the diet of these tetras encompasses brine shrimp, diminutive blood worms, and various forms of algae.
For those considering the inclusion of tetra fish within their aquarium fold, it becomes requisite to prepare an abode of no less than 10 gallons in size. Tropical prerequisites constitute the favored living conditions for these tetras, demanding a meticulously maintained setup. Diverse assortments of tetras abound, boasting an array of captivating shades and attributes.
1. Behold the Penguin Tetra (Thyeroa boehlkei)
The penguin tetra presents a sleek silvery physique adorned with a distinctive penguin-esque ebony streak adorning its flanks. Within the shallows of Amazonian rivers, this elegant tetra reigns supreme.
Its habitat, a modest stream, serves as a bountiful source of crustaceans, worms, and insects. Maturing to a modest length of approximately 3 cm, the penguin tetra sustains a lifespan of 5 to 8 years.
2. Unveiling the Buenos Aires Tetra (Hyphessobrycon anisitsi)
Silver serves as the backdrop for the Buenos Aires tetra, its fins distinguished by fiery red highlights and a commanding obsidian stripe reminiscent of neon luminance. Spanning a compact 7 cm in body length, its existence spans 5 to 6 years.
With a recommended tank volume of 20 gallons and temperatures oscillating between 23 to 27 degrees Celsius, the Buenos Aires tetra, originating in 1907 South America, carries a streak of aggression.
3. The Enigmatic Diamond Tetra (Moenkhausia pittieri)
The diamond tetra’s tale is woven in the waterways of Venezuela, where it finds its haven within the folds of Aragua, Guara rivers, and Valencia Lake. Melding silver with subtle hues of grey, black, and yellow, it presents a captivating mélange.
Evolving to a length of approximately 6 cm, this tetra charts its course through a 3 to 5-year lifespan. Thriving in water temperatures of 23 to 28 degrees Celsius and a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0, the diamond tetra unfurls its allure.
4. Reverence for the Congo Tetra (Phenacogrammus interruptus)
Emerging from the heart of the Congo rivers, this tetra’s canvas boasts a tapestry of green, red, blue, and yellow, punctuated by grand scales. This sizeable tetra claims an impressive 3-inch expanse.
Its preferences gravitate towards the dim, or even low-light, realms of aquatic domains, with a favored temperature of 23 to 26 degrees Celsius and a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. To ensure its contentment, a generous 30-gallon dwelling and a 3 to 5-year lifespan are recommended.
5. The Enchanting Bloodfin Tetra (Aphycharax anisitsi)
An air of tranquility envelops the bloodfin tetra, dwelling comfortably in water temperatures ranging from 21 to 27 degrees Celsius. Complementing its silver backdrop are the rouge accents gracing its tail, accompanied by a coronal orange motif.
This specific tetra breed thrives within the 21 to 27 degrees Celsius spectrum, well-suited for a 20-gallon abode. Its dimensions reach up to 5.5 cm, with its life unfolding over 5 to 6 years.
6. The Intrigue of the Rummy Nose Tetra (Hemigrammus rhodostomus)
Behold the rummy nose tetra, a mesmerizing tapestry of green and crimson gracing its form. The head and ocular region sport an arresting rouge hue, while the tail’s black and white stripes add to its allure. Maturing at 6.5 cm, it enjoys an existence spanning 5 to 6 years, thriving in temperatures oscillating between 22 to 27 degrees Celsius.
7. The Distinguished Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri)
Delicate in demeanor, the emperor tetra extends to a length of 4 cm. Living within the temperature range of 22 to 27 degrees Celsius, it finds solace in its 4 to 5-year existence. Males grace themselves with shades of regal purple, while the females bear a subtler gray pattern.
8. The Zest of the Lemon Tetra (Hyphrssobrycon pulchripinnis)
Acidic waters serve as the favored haunts for the lemon tetra, where pH levels linger between 5.5 to 8.0. Basking in temperatures from 22 to 28 degrees Celsius, it matures to a modest 5 cm, savoring 4 to 5 years of existence. This South American native adorns itself with a vivid yellow ensemble, crowned by a crimson flourish atop its gaze.
9. Unveiling the Ember Tetra (Hyphessorbrycon amandae)
The ember tetra, aptly nicknamed the fire tetra, dazzles with its fiery orange hue. A staple of Central Brazilian rivers, it takes pride in its energetic and amiable disposition, adorning its 2.5 cm form. Naturally sustaining a 2 to 4-year lifespan, it thrives within water temperatures ranging from 20 to 28 degrees Celsius.
10. Revered as the Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi)
Hailing from the realms of Venezuela, Brazil, and Colombia, the cardinal tetra flourishes within a tank capacity of at least 20 gallons. Hardy by nature, it weathers temperatures within the 23 to 27-degree Celsius range. Growing to an admirable length of 5 cm, this omnivorous fish graces its surroundings with a presence spanning 2 to 4 years.
11. The Allure of the Red Eye Tetra (Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae)
Eyes adorned with vivid rubies mark the red eye tetra, a splendor unfolding atop a silver to golden canvas. Within the rivers of Bolivia, Peru, Paraguay, and Brazil, its vibrant form finds its place. Maturing to approximately 7 cm, its journey through 3 to 5 years of existence is colored with vivacity.
12. The Elegance of Black Phantom Tetras (Megalamphodus megalopeterus)
In the heart of Central Brazil and Paraguay, the enigmatic black phantom tetra makes its presence known. A somber, translucent frame is graced with an elongated, brilliant blue line
traversing its flanks. Acclimated to a 20-gallon habitat resting at temperatures of 22 to 28 degrees Celsius and a pH between 6.0 to 7.5, it adopts an average size of 3.5 cm and a lifespan spanning 5 to 6 years.
13. The Enchanting Blue Tetra
Emerging from the lush embrace of the Amazon rivers, the blue tetra radiates an alluring azure aura. Its dark blue body, augmented by a gleaming midline, enthralls all who gaze upon it. At full maturity, it stretches to approximately 2.3 inches, with a lifespan of 3.5 years under favorable conditions.
14. Unmasking the Blending Heart Tetra (Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma)
Red heart-shaped embellishments grace the sides of the blending heart tetra, a motif that also lends its name “red-tipped tetra.” Found within the realms of the Amazon river basin and other South American waterways, this tranquil fish thrives within a 20-gallon residence. Comfortable in temperatures ranging from 22 to 27 degrees Celsius and a pH of 6.5 to 7.0, it matures to 6.5 cm and lingers for 3 to 5 years.
15. The Radiance of Flame Tetras
Embodying the ardor of fire, the flame tetra, also known as the red tetra, presents a transparent form adorned with a fusion of yellow and red hues. Despite its diminutive nature, reaching a mere 1.2 inches in length, its fervent presence cannot be overlooked.
16. Enter the Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi)
Embarking upon the stage in 1934, the neon tetra originates within the Amazon rivers. A tranquil demeanor pervades this species, accompanied by a modest 3.5 cm length and a lifespan of 8 to 10 years, nurtured by optimal surroundings. Water temperatures of 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 facilitate its vibrant allure—a transparent physique adorned by a fluorescent blue streak and a crimson accent, stretching from midbody to tail.