Tetras are among the most popular freshwater aquarium fish in the world, celebrated for their vibrant colours, peaceful nature and beautiful schooling behaviour. From the glowing Neon Tetra to the elegant Congo Tetra, these active fish are ideal for planted aquariums and community tanks of all sizes.

Why You'll Love Tetras

• Beautiful schooling fish with vibrant colours
• Excellent for peaceful community aquariums
• Suitable for both beginners and experienced aquarists
• Wide range of species for nano and larger aquariums
• Look spectacular in planted aquascapes

Creating the Ideal Home

Tank Size

Many smaller species, such as Neon and Ember Tetras, thrive in aquariums from 40 litres. Larger species, including Congo Tetras and Bleeding Heart Tetras, are better suited to aquariums of 90 litres or more.

Temperature

Most Tetras thrive between 23–27°C, although some species have slightly different preferences. Stable water temperatures are important for long-term health.

Water Quality

• Ammonia: 0 ppm
• Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: ideally below 20 ppm
• pH: 6.0–7.5

Tetras prefer mature, fully cycled aquariums with excellent water quality and regular maintenance.

Filtration

Moderate filtration with gentle water movement provides the clean, oxygen-rich conditions that most tetra species appreciate.

Aquascaping

Heavily planted aquariums with driftwood, floating plants and darker substrates help bring out the brilliant colours of most tetras. Leave open swimming space for schooling while providing plenty of cover around the edges.

Feeding

Tetras are omnivores and thrive on a varied diet of quality prepared and frozen foods.

• Premium micro pellets
• High-quality tropical flakes
• Baby brine shrimp
• Daphnia
• Frozen bloodworms (for larger species)
• Live foods for conditioning and breeding

A varied diet encourages vibrant colouration, healthy growth and natural behaviour.

Suitable Tank Mates

Tetras make excellent community fish and are compatible with a wide range of peaceful freshwater species.

• Corydoras
• Rasboras
• Danios
• Rainbowfish
• Honey Gouramis
• Rams
• Apistogramma
• Otocinclus
• Freshwater Shrimp (species dependent)

Avoid keeping very small tetras with large predatory fish or aggressive cichlids.

Popular Tetra Species

• Neon Tetra
• Cardinal Tetra
• Green Neon Tetra
• Ember Tetra
• Glowlight Tetra
• Black Neon Tetra
• Rummy Nose Tetra
• Congo Tetra
• Diamond Tetra
• Black Phantom Tetra
• Emperor Tetra
• Bleeding Heart Tetra
• X-Ray Tetra
• Silvertip Tetra

Tetra FAQs

How many Tetras should I keep?

Tetras are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least six. Schools of ten or more create stunning displays and help fish feel secure.

Are Tetras suitable for beginners?

Yes. Species such as Neon, Glowlight and Black Neon Tetras are excellent beginner fish when kept in a mature, fully cycled aquarium.

Can Tetras live with shrimp?

Many smaller tetras coexist well with adult dwarf shrimp. However, very young shrimplets may be eaten, so dense mosses and plants are recommended if breeding shrimp.

Do Tetras need to be kept in schools?

Absolutely. Keeping tetras in schools reduces stress, improves colouration and encourages their beautiful natural schooling behaviour.

Why do my Tetras lose their colour?

Stress, poor water quality, illness or inadequate diet can all reduce colour intensity. Stable water conditions, quality food and a planted aquarium help keep tetras looking their best.