Sky-blue Tetra

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Native to Brazil, inhabiting the upper Paraná and Tocantins River basins. Prefers clear, well-oxygenated subtropical streams and tributaries.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Belonging to the family Characidae. Features a relatively streamlined body compared to deep-bodied tetras. Grows to approximately 4.5 cm.

Social Behavior: Peaceful and schooling. Keeps to the middle water layers in tight groups. A minimum school of 8-10 individuals is essential for their social structure.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Named for its distinctive iridescent sky-blue stripe running horizontally along the silvery-grey flanks. Females are typically plumper, especially when gravid, while males are slimmer.

Aquarium Setup: An 80-liter tank with moderate water movement and high oxygenation. Provide a mix of open swimming space and planted areas using hardy plants.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous. Readily accepts dry flakes and pellets. Offer frozen foods like mysis, daphnia, or small bloodworms to maintain health and color.

Water Quality: Subtropical preferences. Keep temperatures between 20 and 25 °C. Maintain pH at 6.2-7.4 and hardness at 3-12 dGH.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Excellent for temperate or subtropical community setups. Good tankmates include other cool-water tetras, danios, and corydoras.

Aquarium Breeding: Egg scatterer. Captive breeding requires soft water and spawning media like moss. Remove adults post-spawning to secure the clutch.

Risks and Diseases: Sensitive to low oxygen levels and high temperatures. Efficient aeration and surface agitation are highly recommended.