Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Aggressive

They are exceptionally peaceful and somewhat shy, requiring a large school of at least six individuals to feel secure. When kept in smaller numbers, they may become stressed, lose their vibrant colors, and hide continuously. A proper schooling environment encourages their natural, confident behaviors and tight grouping dynamics.

Diet

Omnivore

In the wild, they are micro-predators feeding on small insects, worms, and crustaceans. In the aquarium, they readily accept high-quality crushed flakes, micro-pellets, and freeze-dried foods. Supplementing their diet with live or frozen foods like daphnia, baby brine shrimp, and bloodworms will enhance their coloration and vitality.

Sex ratio

School

Keeping a balanced ratio or a slight majority of females is generally recommended to prevent males from constantly harassing a single female. In a large enough school, the sex ratio becomes less critical as aggression is dispersed. A larger group naturally forms a healthy hierarchy, minimizing any stress related to breeding behavior.

Feeding frequency

Twice daily

It is highly recommended to feed them two to three small meals a day rather than one large one. Offering only what they can consume within a couple of minutes ensures minimal food waste and prevents water quality degradation. Frequent, small feedings closely mimic their natural foraging behavior in the wild.

Bioload

These small tetras produce a minimal bioload, making them excellent candidates for smaller or heavily planted aquariums. They do not generate significant amounts of waste compared to larger species, reducing the burden on the filtration system. However, keeping them in large schools will naturally increase the overall waste output, requiring adequate biological filtration.

Flow

Strong

They prefer a moderate to low water flow that simulates the slow-moving tributaries and flooded forest regions of their natural habitat. Strong currents can exhaust these small fish and cause them significant stress over time. Providing areas of still water, particularly near dense vegetation, allows them places to rest comfortably.

Jump risk

Yes

Like many tetras, they are capable of jumping, particularly when startled by sudden movements or lighting changes. A secure, well-fitting aquarium lid is strongly recommended to prevent any accidental escapes. Floating plants can also help make them feel more secure and reduce their instinct to jump.

Reproduction

Egg scatterer

Breeding these tetras can be challenging as they are egg-scatterers that provide no parental care. They require soft, acidic water and dim lighting to trigger spawning behavior successfully. A separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or a spawning mop is necessary, and parents must be removed immediately after laying eggs to prevent predation.

Compatibility & tankmates

With caution

This species is incredibly peaceful and thrives in a community setup with other similarly sized, non-aggressive fish. Excellent tank mates include small rasboras, Corydoras catfish, and peaceful dwarf cichlids. They should never be kept with large or aggressive species that might view them as prey or cause them undue stress.

Tank level

Middle

These fish primarily occupy the middle to upper levels of the water column in the aquarium. They are active swimmers that appreciate ample open swimming space combined with areas of dense planting. While they occasionally dart to the surface for food or explore the bottom, they will spend most of their time cruising the midwater.