Rainbow Tetra

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Native to the Rio San Juan basin in Colombia. It inhabits quiet forest streams with moderate flow, sandy-muddy bottoms, and dense cover.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the Characidae family. Noted for its unique trident-shaped caudal fin with an elongated central filament in males.

Social Behavior: Schooling species, though males display territorial behaviors and engage in harmless visual sparring to establish hierarchy.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Highly iridescent body exhibiting a rainbow of colors under proper lighting. Males have bright red eyes and longer fin filaments; females have green eyes.

Aquarium Setup: Provide a spacious tank with dense planting along the sides and back, leaving the center open for swimming and display.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous. Readily accepts dried foods, supplemented regularly with frozen brine shrimp, mysis, and bloodworms.

Water Quality: Requires clean, soft, and slightly acidic water (pH 6.0-7.2). Good filtration without excessive current is preferred.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Peaceful with other fish. Best kept with species of similar size, avoiding large or predatory tankmates.

Aquarium Breeding: Oviparous. Breeding is possible in a separate tank with soft water, mosses, and fine-leaved plants.

Risks and Diseases: Susceptible to fin rot if water quality is poor or if kept in hard, alkaline water conditions.