Tetras are one of the most diverse groups of freshwater fish in the pet trade and there are many wonderful species available for your aquarium. These colorful fish add high activity levels to any tropical freshwater aquarium, so they should be high on your list when starting a new fish tank.
In this guide, I introduce five of the most popular tetra species and explain the basics of their care. Read along to find your new favorite fish!
What are Tetras?
You can’t go into the fish section of a pet store without spotting at least a few species of tetra fish. These small schooling/shoaling fish are members of the charciforme order, a diverse group of over 2000 fish species! Tropical tetras are popular aquarium fish all over the world, renowned for their beautiful colors and shapes.
Most tetras are very peaceful, making them perfect for a carefully planned community fish tank. However, each species has its own particular care requirements, so it’s important to read up on their needs and characteristics before bringing them home.
Tetra fish are very social little creatures, and they really need the company of their own species to feel safe and secure. So, fight the temptation to get one of each kind, and buy a minimum of six of the same species instead. You’ll love the way these fish cruise around together in your tank.
Let’s meet some tetras!
1. Redeye Tetra
The redeye tetra (Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae) is an old favorite in the aquarium hobby and the ideal species for beginner fish keepers. Although they may not be as colorful as some of the other fish on this list, redeyes are still eye-catching fish with their silvery scales and bold black and red markings.
Redeye tetras are one of the bigger tetra species, so you’ll need a fairly large aquarium to house a school. The ideal setup would be a 29-gallon or larger aquarium with loads of live plants and a few friendly tank mates.
Redeye Tetra Care Requirements:
- Temperature: Mid to high 70s Fahrenheit
- Tank size: 20+ gallons
- Recommended pH: 6-8
2. Congo Tetra
The Congo tetra (Phenacogrammus interruptus) is an awesome freshwater fish species for larger aquariums. While most popular tetra species hail from South America, these fish originate from the tropical waters of West Africa.
These unique fish show distinct sexual dimorphism, which is the technical way of saying males look different from females. Both sexes are beautiful, but the larger males stand out with brighter colors and long, distinctive fins.
The Congo tetra is another large tetra species, so these fish will do well in tanks of 30 gallons or more. They are usually easy to feed and will typically accept dried flake foods. However, regular frozen or live foods (like brine shrimp) will bring out their best colors.
Congo Tetra Care Requirements:
- Temperature: Mid 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit
- Tank size: 30+ gallons
- Recommended pH: 6-7.5
3. Black Widow Tetra
The black widow tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi) is better known for its interesting body shape than its colors. However, fishkeepers who want more ‘pop’ can consider the GloFish® tetras. These genetically modified fish are available in some truly eye-catching shades, including Starfire Red®, Galactic Purple®, and Cosmic Blue®.
The black-widow tetra may sound like a dangerous pet, but these fish are actually very peaceful. This makes them a great choice for fish keepers who want to keep a few different species in the same tank.
These are medium-sized tetras that do well in tanks of 20 gallons or more. Like other tetras, it’s best to keep them in a group of at least six individuals.
Black Widow Tetra Care Requirements:
- Temperature: Upper 60s to upper 70s Fahrenheit
- Tank size: 20+ gallons
- Recommended pH: 6-7
4. Ember Tetra
Are you looking for a colorful fish for a small aquarium? The ember tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae) could be just the fish for you! These fish get their name from their glowing orange color, which really stands out against the lush green of live aquarium plants.
Ember tetras are peaceful fish that will get along with other nano (very small) aquarium fish that enjoy the same water parameters. Just avoid any tank mates that are large enough to swallow your embers — these guys are tiny!
Ember tetras reach just three-quarters of an inch in length, and some experienced aquarists house them in tanks as small as five gallons. However, maintaining such a small tank can be challenging for beginners, so choose a ten or fifteen-gallon tank if you’re just getting started.
Want to learn more about keeping your first fish? Check out our other articles on setting up a tank, and helpful tips for caring for your pets.
Ember Tetra Care Requirements:
- Temperature: Low 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit
- Tank size: 10+ gallons
- Recommended pH: 5.5-7
5. Neon Tetra
The neon tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) has become the most popular tetra species, famous for its vivid red and blue colors. These fish originate from Brazil, although today they can be found in freshwater aquariums all over the world.
They are small fish that reach just over an inch in length and will thrive in an aquarium of 15 gallons or so. Of course, bigger is always better, and these fish look great in larger aquariums too.
Neons are not the easiest tetra species to care for, although they are suitable for beginners who are willing to perform regular maintenance on their aquarium. Like other tetras, these fish love to school with their own species and they look amazing in big groups. So, why not buy a school of ten or more if you have the space?
Neon Tetra Care Requirements:
- Temperature: Lower to upper 70s Fahrenheit
- Tank size: 15+ gallons
- Recommended pH: 5.5-7.5
Want to learn more about tetra fish? Take a few minutes to check out this detailed guide on tetra species identification for more information on these fascinating fish.
