Tetra fish are some of the most beautiful fish in all aquariums. Not only do they come in a fantastic variety of colors, but they also have different kinds of shapes and body structures.
They can be demanding regarding care and maintenance, but more than anything else, they need a lot more attention than most other tropical freshwater fish. They are a more delicate species and often have more specific requirements than others.
However, if you have the time and willingness to provide them with what they need, you can indeed have a gorgeous fish tank that you will love to watch grow.
Working with tetra fish is not all that easy, though. It can be pretty challenging at times. However, if you are willing to provide them with the right food and water conditions, then nothing can stop you from having a great time watching your fish grow up.
If you have never had any experience with tetra fish before, I recommend you go through it.
This article so might help you learn more about types of tetra fish species needs and whether it is the right one for you.
Table of Contents
- Here Is The List Of The Different Types Of Tetra Fish Species
- 1. Black Neon Tetra
- 2. Bloodfin Tetra
- 3. Blue Tetra
- 4. Cardinal Tetra
- 5. Congo Tetra
- 6. Electric Yellow Tetra
- 7. Glowlight Tetra
- 8. Neon Tetra
- 9. Silver Tip Tetra
- 10. Black Phantom Tetra
- 11. Flame Tetra
- 12. Glass Bloodfin Tetra
- 13. Rainbow Tetra
- 14. Golden Tetra
- 15. Green Neon Tetra
- 16. Lemon Tetra
- 17. Rosy Tetra
- 18. Ruby Tetra
- 19. Serpae Tetra
- 20. Diamond Tetra
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Here Is The List Of The Different Types Of Tetra Fish Species
So here is the information on different types of tetra species which you must keep in your tank so that your tank looks lovely.
1. Black Neon Tetra
| Scientific Name: | Paracheirodon Innesi |
| Size: | Can Reach Up To 5 Inches (13 Centimeters) |
| Water Temperature: | 78 Degrees Fahrenheit |
| Lifespan: | About 5 - 7 Years |
| Tank Size: | Aquariums Can Hold Up To 12 Black Neon Tetra At One Time |
| Water Type: | Water pH Should Be Between 5.0 and 6.5 |
| Nature: | Black Neon Tetras Are Peaceful Fish Unless They Feel Threatened By Their Tank Mates |
The black neon tetra is one of the most popular types of tetra species and also one of the most beautiful! This species comes from South America. They are small (4-5 inches) but can grow up to 10 inches long or more depending on the tank they are placed in.
The black neon tetra is not only beautiful, but it's very peaceful. Since they are generally known to be friendly, they can usually get along with other types of fish in the same tank.
Although this is true for most species, it's always best to keep an eye on them because if you introduce a larger tetra to the same tank, there may be aggression between the two - which means that one will eventually have to move to another tank!
Most prefer keeping the black neon tetra in tanks 10 gallons or more. They require about 5 - 10 gallons of space for each one you wish to keep, but you can also place more than 1 in a larger tank as long as they don't mind having friends around.
Black neon tetras are one of the most peaceful tetra species you can keep, so they are often used for tank mates or with other larger fish to "watch" them.
They prefer a neutral pH of around seven and an ideal temperature range.
2. Bloodfin Tetra
| Scientific Name: | Aphyocharax anisitsi |
| Size: | Up to 2-3 inches(5.0-7.6 cm) |
| Water Temperature: | 75°-80°F |
| Lifespan: | 5-7 years |
| Tank size: | Aquariums can hold up to 12 Bloodfin Tetra at one time |
| pH level: | 6.0-8.0 |
| Nature: | Bloodfin Tetra is not a peaceful fish; it will fight with other fish if two males are put together. |
| Difficulty level: | Easy |
The amazing bloodfin tetra is a beautiful addition to any tank.
Although they are beautiful, they can be very aggressive toward other fish. They should be kept alone or with other peaceful fish that won't fight back if attacked by a bloodfin tetra.
The Bloodfin Tetras' eyes are on both sides of its body (Dorsal Fin). They have large and powerful fins and swim in a zigzag pattern in the tank.
They eat meaty foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp. Males are slightly more colorful than females and often have red eyes and black tails.
It is a peaceful and attractive fish considered one of the best tetra species. The coloration and markings of their bodies are stunning- making this a prevalent type of tetra species.
They are famous for being highly resistant to disease, temperature changes, pH changes, and other water conditions potentially dangerous to other tetra species.
The head and tail are very hardy, making it ideal for beginners! Tetra should be kept in groups because they are shoaling fish. They also prefer to swim at the midwater level and should be provided with plants to serve as aquarium decorations.
The Bloodfin tetra is a freshwater fish that originates from South America. It belongs to the Characidae family and generally grows to 3 inches long. They are primarily found in large schools, and they love plants!
The Bloodfin tetra prefers slightly acidic water, with a pH of around 5 - 7. Bloodfin tetras are very peaceful fish, and they get along with other types of fish in the same tank (make sure that you introduce them slowly).
They can be kept in tanks for about 5 - 10 gallons, depending on how many you want.
3. Blue Tetra
| Scientific Name: | Boehlkea fredcochui |
| Size: | Up to 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) in size |
| Fish keeping difficulty level: | Easy |
| pH level: | 6.0-8.0 |
| Nature: | Peaceful and very attractive |
| Tank size: | 10-gallon |
| Lifespan: | 5-7 Years |
| Water Temperature: | 75°-80°F |
Blue tetras are a type of tetra species that is considered to be one of the most peaceful types of tetra species. Blue tetras are native to South America and can grow 1 - 3 inches long.
They are found in many habitats, including small streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes in tropical rainforests. This species will generally eat anything they can fit in.
The Blue Tetra is a beautiful fish, and it has become one of the most popular types of tetra species due to its stunning appearance. They are also known as Boehlkea fredcochui. They are initially from South America, found in the Orinoco River basin of Venezuela and Colombia.
The Blue Tetra's body is slim and slender, with black markings on its side, which resembles a stripe- making it one of the unique tetra species. They have darker coloring around their gills, which adds to their distinctive look.
A 10-gallon fish tank with the substrate at the bottom of the tank for them to make their home. Provide your Blue Tetra with plants inside of the tank. They prefer bushes and shrubs over tall grass type of aquarium decorations.
The minimum temperature you should keep your Blue Tetra is around 72°F with a maximum temperature of 79.6°F.
The water pH level you want for your Blue Tetra is between 6.0 and 8.0. The specific gravity rating should be 1.002 to 1.005 to provide them with the right type of environment to live in.
4. Cardinal Tetra
| Scientific Name: | Paracheirodon axelrodi |
| Size: | About 1 - 3 inches (2.5 - 7.6 centimeters) long |
| Fish keeping difficulty level: | Easy |
| pH level: | 5.0-8.0 |
| Nature: | Peaceful |
| Tank Size: | 10 Gallon |
| Lifespan: | 3 - 5 Years |
| Water Temperature: | 75°-80°F |
It belongs to the Characidae family and comes from South America. These fishes prefer water at tropical temperatures of 75° to 80°F. They grow up to 3 inches, but they are usually smaller.
In its habitat, Cardinal Tetra prefers to live in shallow waters with a pH level between 5.0 to 8.0. They can also live in small streams within tropical rainforests in South America.
Cardinal Tetra's body is a white-silver color with an iridescent sheen. The belly of these types of tetra species is bright red. You should have lots of driftwood and plants within your 10-gallon fish tank for your Cardinal Tetra to feel at home.
The minimum number of Cardinal Tetra to keep in a 10-gallon tank is three, and the maximum number of this type of tetra species should be 5.
When you get ready to put your Cardinal Tetra inside your tropical fish tank, it's essential that you first let the water temperature warm up slowly. Do not shock them by placing them directly into warmer water.
In the wild, Cardinal Tetra will eat insects and algae. The Cardinal Tetra is one of the most popular fish in aquariums.
5. Congo Tetra
| Scientific Name: | Phenacogrammus interruptus |
| Size: | 2.7 - 3.7 inches (7 - 9.4 centimeters) long |
| Fish Keeping Difficulty Level: | Easy |
| pH level: | 6.0-8.5 |
| Nature: | Peaceful |
| Tank Size: | 10-gallons |
| Lifespan: | 5-8 years |
| Water temperature: | 75°-80°F |
These tetra species have a green-black body striped with a gold color. Congo tetras do best in a 10-gallon fish tank when you set it up with lots of plants and driftwood.
Congo Tetras feed on insects and their larvae, snails, and other types of seafood in the wild. They also eat some algae.
The Congo Tetra is one of the most popular types of fish that are kept in aquariums. Although there are various types of tetras, this species is peaceful and easy to care for. It belongs to the Characidae family and comes from South America. They prefer soft water (dH 5 – 10) with a temperature of about 77 °F.
Congo Tetras are very popular among aquarium hobbyists. They belong to the Characidae family and come from the Congo River in Africa.
The Congo Tetra prefers water at temperatures around 77°F. These fish will grow up to about 3 cm but are usually smaller.
6. Electric Yellow Tetra
| Scientific Name: | Hyphessobrycon bifasciatus |
| Size: | 3.2 inches (8 cm) |
| Fish keeping difficulty level: | Easy |
| pH level: | 6.0-8.5 |
| Nature: | Peaceful |
| Tank size: | 10-gallons |
| Lifespan: | 5-7 year |
These tetra fish originate from South America and belong to the Characidae family. They prefer a pH level of 6.0 - 8.5, a temperature of 78° - 82°F, and slightly harder water than regular tap water.
It would be best if you separated the parent Electric Yellow Tetra from their young ones. They have grown a little, and I added them to another 10-gallon fish tank. You need to provide your Electric Yellow Tetra with 78° to 82°F water, which is slightly more complicated than regular tap water.
Electric Yellow Tetra has a brownish-orange body that is tinged with a golden color. To keep Electric Yellow Tetra healthy and happy, you should provide them lots of plants and driftwood within their 10-gallon fish tank.
Electric Yellow Tetra feed on insects, shrimp, worms, and other seafood types in the wild.
The Electric Yellow Tetra usually grows up to about 3.2 cm, but they can get more extensive depending on what tank you decide to keep them in.
7. Glowlight Tetra
| Scientific Name: | Hemigrammus erythrozonus |
| Size: | About 3.2 centimeters (1.24 Inches) |
| Fish Keeping Difficulty Level: | Easy |
| pH level: | 6.5-7.6 |
| Nature: | Peaceful |
| Tank size: | 10-gallons |
| Lifespan: | 5-7 Years |
| Water Temperature: | 78° to 82°F |
Glowlight Tetra has an orange-red body with a dark brownish green, black adipose fin. To keep the Glowlight Tetra healthy and happy, you should provide them with lots of plants and driftwood within their 10-gallon fish tank.
In the wild, Glowlight Tetra feeds on insects, shrimp, worms, and other types of seafood.
These tetra fish originated from South America and belonged to the Characidae family. They prefer tropical temperatures (78° to 82°F) and love swimming on the tank's bottom part.
The Glowlight Tetra usually grows up to about 3.2 cm, but they can get more extensive depending on what tank you decide to keep them in.
Also Read: Buy The 18 Best Fish For 5 Gallon Tanks
8. Neon Tetra
| Scientific Name: | Paracheirodon Innesi |
| Size: | About 2.5 - 5 cm (0.98 - 1.96 inches) |
| Fish Keeping Difficulty Level: | Easy |
| pH level: | 5.0-7.5 |
| Nature: | Peaceful |
| Tank size: | 10-gallon |
| Lifespan: | 5-7 years |
| Nature: | 78° to 82°F |
Neon Tetra has an olive-green body with blue tinges, red flashes, and stripes around its eyes. They are a peaceful type of tetra fish species that will get along with other tropical fish if their temperatures are close.
Neon Tetra gets its name from the British flash of blue running through the rest of their body, which simulates glowing neon lights. They are a peaceful and social tetra fish species that usually live in small groups.
A group of Neon Tetra will stick together and swim around their tank, but they will still be friendly with other tanks. Neon Tetra is often considered one of the most popular tetra fish species and is very hardy.
The Neon Tetra usually grows to about 2.5 - 5 Cm (0.98 - 1.96 inches) in size and can live for up to 5 - 7 years. Neon Tetras are related to the regular tetra fish and like to swim at the top of the tank where there is plenty of light and minimal movement.
Neon Tetra fish prefer temperatures that are between 78° to 82°F. They are part of the Characidae family and originate from South America.
The Neon Tetra is among the most popular tetra species in the aquarium trade.
They are brightly-colored fish that will add a touch of vibrance to your aquarium.
Many people believe that neon tetra fish have a unique ability to glow in the dark - this is not true; they still look amazing when placed against darker backgrounds in your aquarium.
9. Silver Tip Tetra
| Scientific Name: | Hasemania Nana |
| Size: | 1.5 Inches (3.81 cm) long |
| Water Temperature: | Between 72° - 82°F |
| Origin: | Brazil, Peru, And Suriname |
| Lifespan: | 3-4 years |
| Temperament: | Peaceful |
| Water Temperature: | 72°-78°F |
Silver Tip Tetra gets its name from the tips of the fins on its back, which are a distinctive silver color. They are sometimes referred to as black-nosed tetras, but this is a misnomer because not all tetra fish species with black noses have silver tips.
The Silver Tip Tetra is one of the most beautiful tetra species. They are a peaceful type of tetra fish that will not bother other tank inhabitants, even if they are pretty aggressive or much more prominent than them.
They have an unusual life expectancy for their size, with some claiming they can live up to 4 years. They are an excellent choice for an experienced fish keeper, but they can be tricky to look after and may need special care if you want them to live that long.
They prefer slightly acidic water (6 – 8 pH) and should always be kept in groups of six or more. They will also appreciate adding some floating plants in their new tank.
The Silver Tip Tetra is one of the most beautiful types of tetra species, and they need a bigger tank than some other kinds of tetra fish because of their long life expectancy. They are peaceful and prefer to swim in schools, so you should never keep them alone.
The Silver Tip Tetra is a popular aquarium fish and prefers tropical temperatures (72°-78°F). They will grow to about 3.81 cm, but they can get more extensive depending on what tank you decide to keep them in. It belongs to the Characidae family and comes from South America.
10. Black Phantom Tetra
| Scientific Name: | Hyphessobrycon megalopterus |
| Size: | up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) |
| Water Temperature: | 72°- 78°F |
| pH level: | 6.0 – 7.3 |
| Origin: | South America |
| Lifespan: | 5 Years |
| Nature: | Peaceful |
They are trendy in the aquarium hobby, but you can still find them with some suppliers and online stores. Black Phantom Tetra is one of the world's most popular types of fish. This Tetra is peaceful and does well when mixed with other mild tropical fish.
They tend to be very popular in the aquarium hobby, but you can still find them with some suppliers and online stores.
The Black Phantom Tetra is a tetra species belonging to the Characidae family. They come from South America and like tropical temperatures (72°- 78°F). The Black Phantom Tetra will grow up to about 1 – 3 cm, but they can get more extensive depending on what kind of tank you decide to keep them in.
11. Flame Tetra
| Scientific Name: | Hyphessobrycon Flammeus |
| Size: | up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) |
| Water Temperature: | 72° - 82°F |
| ph Level: | 6.0 to 7.3 |
| Origin: | South America |
| Lifespan: | up to 5 years |
| Nature: | Peaceful |
Flame Tetra is one of the most popular fish in the world. These are generally peaceful fish that may act a little shy initially, but they will be much more active if you keep only one per tank to avoid fighting.
They tend to be very popular in the aquarium hobby, but you can still find them with some suppliers and online stores.
The Flame Tetra is a tetra species belonging to the Characidae family. They come from South America and like tropical temperatures (72° - 82°F). The Flame Tetra will grow up to about 1 – 3 cm, but they can get more extensive depending on what kind of tank you decide to keep them in.
This particular type of fish is generally very peaceful and can live for up to 5 years in captivity.
12. Glass Bloodfin Tetra
| Scientific Name: | Prionobrama filigera |
| Size: | Up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long |
| Water Temperature: | 72° - 82°F |
| pH level: | 6.0 – 7.3 |
| Origin: | South America |
| Lifespan: | Up to 5 years |
| Nature: | Peaceful |
Glass Bloodfin Tetra is one of the most popular fish in the world. These are generally peaceful fish that may act a little shy initially, but they will be much more active if you keep only one per tank to avoid fighting.
They tend to be very popular in the aquarium hobby, but you can still find them with some suppliers and online stores.
The Glass Bloodfin Tetra is a tetra species belonging to the Characidae family. They come from South America and like tropical temperatures (72° - 82°F). The Glass Bloodfin Tetra will grow up to about 1 – 3 cm, but they can get more extensive depending on what kind of tank you decide to keep them in.
The Glass Bloodfin Tetra is one of the world's most popular types of tetra species. This particular type of fish is generally very peaceful and can live for up to 5 years in captivity.
13. Rainbow Tetra
| Scientific Name: | Nematobrycon lacortei |
| Size: | Up to 2 inches |
| Water Temperature: | 68° - 82°F |
| pH level: | 6.0 – 7.3 |
| Origin: | South America |
| Lifespan: | Up To 5 Years |
| Nature: | Peaceful And Social |
Rainbow Tetra is one of the most popular fish in the world. These are generally peaceful fish that may act a little shy initially, but they will be much more active if you keep only one per tank to avoid fighting.
The Rainbow Tetra is a tetra species belonging to the Characidae family. They come from South America and like tropical temperatures (68° - 82°F). The Rainbow Tetra will grow up to about 2 – 5 cm, but they can get more extensive depending on what kind of tank you decide to keep them in.
The Rainbow Tetra is one of the world's most popular tetra species. This particular type of fish is generally very peaceful and can live for up to 5 years in captivity.
Also Read: Goldfish Tank Mates List: Friends & Enemies
14. Golden Tetra
| Scientific Name: | Hemigrammus rodwayi |
| Size: | Up to 2 inches (5.08) cm long |
| Water Temperature: | 68° - 82°F |
| pH level: | 6.0 – 7.3 |
| Origin: | South America |
| Lifespan: | Up to 5 Years |
| Nature: | Peaceful and social |
Golden Tetra is one of the most popular fish in the world. These are generally peaceful fish that may act a little shy initially, but they will be much more active if you keep only one per tank to avoid fighting.
The Golden Tetra is commonly found in the aquarium trade and belongs to the Characidae family. They come from South America, like tropical temperatures (68° - 82°F). The Golden Tetra will grow up to about 5 cm, but they can get more extensive depending on the tank size.
15. Green Neon Tetra
| Scientific Name: | Paracheirodon simulans |
| Size: | Up to 1 inch (2.54) cm long |
| Water Temperature: | 68° - 82°F |
| pH level: | 6.0 – 7.3 |
| Origin: | South America |
| Lifespan: | Up to 5 Years |
| Nature: | Peaceful and social |
Green Neon Tetra is one of the most popular fish in the world. These are generally peaceful fish that may act a little shy initially, but they will be much more active if you keep only one per tank to avoid fighting.
This particular type of fish is peaceful and can live up to 5 years in captivity. It is not usually very active and tends to be minor, only growing up to about 1 inch long.
It belongs to the Characidae family. They come from South America, like tropical temperatures (68° - 82°F).
16. Lemon Tetra
| Scientific Name: | Hyphessobrycon pulchripinni |
| Size: | Up to 1.3 cm Long |
| Lifespan: | Up To 5 Years |
| Nature: | Peaceful |
| pH level: | 6.0 – 8.0 |
They are one of the most popular types of tropical fish in the aquarium, so they can be found at most breeders, suppliers, and retailers.
This kind of Tetra is usually peaceful and social, but it might not be very nice if paired with other fish of the same species.
It is pretty hard, and it needs pristine water to thrive. They belong to the Characidae family and come from South America. The Lemon Tetra is generally a peaceful species, but it might not be very nice if paired with other fish of the same species.
The Lemon Tetra likes tropical temperatures (72° – 79°F) and will grow to about 1 cm (although they can be more significant).
17. Rosy Tetra
| Scientific Name: | Hyphessobrycon rosaceus |
| Size: | Up to about 1.5 cm long |
| Lifespan: | Up To 5 Years |
| Nature: | Peaceful |
| Water temperatures: | 72° to 79°F |
The Rosy Tetra is usually a peaceful species, but it might not be very nice if paired with other fish of the same species.
They are one of the most popular tropical fish in the aquarium, which can be found at most breeders, suppliers, and retailers.
They are pretty hardy, and they need pristine water to thrive. They belong to the Characidae family and come to South America; Rosy Tetra likes tropical temperatures (72° to 79°F) and will grow up to about 1 cm (although they can be more significant).
This type of Tetra belongs to the Characidae family and comes from South America. The Rosy Tetra will usually grow up to about 1 cm, but they can get more extensive depending on what kind of tank you decide to keep them in.
Also Read The 11 Most Popular Pond Fish: Must Buy
18. Ruby Tetra
| Scientific Name: | Axelrodia riesei |
| Water Temperature: | 72° – 79°F |
| pH level: | 6.5 - 7.9 |
| Size: | Up To 7 Cm |
| Lifespan: | Up To 5 Years |
| Nature: | Peaceful |
A group of freshwater fish from the Characidae family originating in South America. They can be easily identified because they have a triangular shape. The body of these fishes is covered with scales on its front end, while their back end is covered with quite a lot of minor scales.
The Ruby Tetra is a peaceful species, but it might become aggressive if paired with other fish of the same species. In the wild, they are found in relatively large shoals and like to swim around the top of the tank.
The Ruby Tetra likes tropical temperatures (72° – 79°F) and usually grows up to about 1 cm, but they can get more extensive depending on what tank you decide to keep them in.
19. Serpae Tetra
| Scientific Name: | Hyphessobrycon eques |
| Temperature: | 18 – 26°c |
| pH level: | 6.5 - 7.0 |
| Size: | Up to 5 cm long |
| Lifespan: | Live Up To 10 Years In Captivity |
| Nature | Peaceful |
A group of freshwater fish comes from the Characidae family and originates in South America. They can be easily identified because they have a triangular shape. The body of these fishes is covered with scales on its front end, while their back end is covered with quite a lot of minor scales.
The Serpae Tetra is usually a peaceful species, but it might become aggressive if paired with other fish of the same species.
They prefer tropical temperatures (18 – 26°c). The Serpae Tetra usually grows up to about 1 – 2 cm, but they can get more extensive depending on what tank you decide to keep them in.
In the wild, they are found in relatively large shoals and like to swim around the top of the tank.
20. Diamond Tetra
| Scientific Name: | Moenkhausia pittieri |
| Water Temperature: | 24° – 30°c |
| pH level: | 6.0 - 7.5 |
| Size: | Up to 4 cm |
| Lifespan: | Up to 5 Years |
| Nature: | Peaceful |
A group of freshwater fish comes from the Characidae family and originates in South America. They can be easily identified because they have a triangular shape. The body of these fishes is covered with scales on its front end, while their back end is covered with quite a lot of minor scales.
They have a silver body with a black spot in the middle that looks like a Diamond. The Diamond Tetra is usually a peaceful and hardy species but can be very aggressive if paired with other similar species.
Like tropical temperatures (24° – 30°c), Diamond Tetra grows up to about 4 cm, but they can get more extensive depending on what tank you decide to keep them in.
In the wild, they are found in relatively large shoals and like to swim around the top of the tank.
FAQs
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Is Tetra a tropical fish?
Yes, Tetra is a tropical fish. They are usually found in small schools and prefer water temperatures above 73°F (23°C).
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What is a tetra identification chart?
Yes, there are tetra identification charts available online. These charts provide a visual comparison of the various species of Tetras. They include information about each species' size, coloration, variations in body shape and patterning, as well as other relevant details such as water temperature preferences and diet.
You can refer to this article; 20 types of tetra are described in this article.
Conclusion
There are many types of tetras species that all have unique qualities. Sometimes it's hard to adapt them into tanks, but if you manage to keep these types alive for a considerable time, they will be much happier and healthier.
These excellent fish can bring so much enjoyment to people because they are so pretty, but it is essential to remember precisely what fish you want and how it will be cared for. You will not regret investing time into one or more of these types.
As you can see, their various types of tetra species. Some are unique and beautiful, while others seem almost similar. But no matter the kind of Tetra you buy for your aquarium, you will have a lot of fun watching them!
