Tetra

Characteristics

Tetras are schooling fish from the family Characidae. They are calm, colorful and mostly peaceful, making them ideal for both beginner and advanced hobbyists. The Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) is a small freshwater fish native to South America.

Tetra in the Aquarium

Popular beginner tetras include red eye, black skirt, serpae and bloodfins, but neons, black neons, glowlights and lemon tetras can be good choices as well. Others, like cardinals, emperors and penguin tetras are more challenging to keep and do best in well-established aquariums with softer, more acidic water. Selectively bred color variants and long-finned strains of certain tetras are also available.

Due to its vibrant colors and ease-of-care, it is one of the most popular fish amongst fish keepers.

Its peaceful temperament and simple dietary needs make it an ideal beginner fish.

Tetra Diet

Most tetras are omnivorous and will thrive on Tropical Flakes, Color Flakes, Tropical Granules and Shrimp Pellets. Frozen and live foods can also be fed as treats or to help induce spawning. For best results, rotate their diet daily and feed only what they can consume in under 2 minutes, once or twice a day.