Tetras Species

Tetras

Tetras are represented by several families in the larger Characiform family. While the name tetra often invokes such small and colorful species as the ever popular neon tetra, much larger species such as the Piranhas can also be found in the characiform family.  Tetras are a commonly kept group of fishes due to their cute antics, small size and pleasant dispositions. They are a very frequently kept fish in community tanks as they prefer to live in groups, bringing a splash of color and movement to an aquarium

The Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) is one of the most commonly sold species of tetra. Other common species include Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi), Rummynose Tetra (Hemigrammus bleheri), Black Neon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi) and the Glowlight Tetra (Hemigrammus erythrozonus).

Biology

Tetras are small fishes that are native to South America, Central America and Africa where they are found in many different river drainages. They are small fish ranging in size from about 1” (2.5 cm) to about 5” (13 cm). Tetras are commonly found in large schools, in some cases containing many hundreds of individuals.

Captive Care

Tetras can make great aquarium inhabitants, provided their husbandry needs such as diet, water quality and tank space are met. Tetras can be very sensitive to shifts in water quality, particularly pH.

Most tetras are considered tropical fish and will do best in water ranging from 75 F to 82 F, however some species may do better in slightly cooler water.  It is important to select what species of tetra you will keep carefully, as some smaller species may be picked on by more aggressive tankmates. Tetras are typically considered good members of community tanks, particularly with other peaceful species.

It is important to consider carefully what species of tetra may be best for your aquarium. While smaller species such as the Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) are suited to tanks as small as five gallons, larger species such as the Congo Tetra (Phenacogrammus interruptus) may be better suited to a larger tank.

Suggested Piscine Energetics Products

We suggest a diet based on Piscine Energetics Frozen Mysis, Piscine Energetics Frozen Calanus, Piscine Energetics Pellets (1mm and 2mm) and Piscine Energetics Saltwater Flakes.

 

Recommended Products

What People Say

After feeding my seahorses your mysis for about 3 months; they are fat and happy!!! they give me baby seahorses (at least 300 ) each 14 days... So I'm very satisfied of your mysis.The frozen mysis is about 70 per cent of their diet.

Yvan Charbonneau Quebec

I am keeping these Indian mudskippers -- very cute -- about 3-4 inches long. I've been feeding them frozen bloodworm, and decided to try them on mysis. I feed them in a "shallows" in the 150 I have set up for them. The minute the mysis hit the water they were on it, frozen and all. They gorged until their little bellies were almost bursting. I have yet to see an aquatic creature that does not go absolutely nuts over PE Mysis.

David Lass Massachusetts