Tetras

All tetras are found in the family Characidae in the order Characiformes. They are comparatively small fishes and many species are popular due to their striking coloration and peaceful habits. Most tetras need good water conditions and are not suitable for a brand new tank, but are ideal for an aquarium, which has been through the initial ‘cycling' and maturation of the filter.

The most popular tetras are the Neon Tetra and Cardinal Tetra, which are a vibrant red and blue colour. These - and most tetras sold in aquatic stores - are from South America, as they tend to be smaller and more colourful than most of the African Tetras. One exception is the Congo tetra; the male has beautiful flowing fins and rainbow coloured sides.

Some of the many popular varieties of tetra are: Black Widows, Beacons, Glowlights, Black Neons, Bleeding Hearts, Flame Tetras, Red-eye Tetras and X-ray Tetras.

Tetras look their best in a large shoal in the aquarium and should be purchased in groups of at least six, but larger groups will look much better and the fish will be healthier since they feel less stressed in a group and they will spend more time out in the open and feed better.

They add colour to the aquarium with vibrant blue and red colouration, and against a dark substrate in a well-planted aquarium a shoal of these fish will look even more stunning.

Tetras are closely related to other popular tropical fish: Hatchet-fish; which shoal at the water surface, Chalceus, which are a shoaling fish suitable for tanks containing larger fish, the stick-like Pencil fish, Headstanders; which eat algae, and the herbivorous Silver Dollars and Pacus.  

The best known relative of the tetras is the carnivorous Piranha!

Disclaimer:  This article is supplied for informative purposes only. Seapets Ltd has done its very best to make sure that the above information is up-to-date and correct, but takes no responsibility for any consequences resulting from the following of this advice. As always, it is recommended that you consult with your local vet regarding any concerns that you may have for your pet.

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