Ruby tetra

The ruby tetra is a tiny characin of the family Characidae, native to the Rio Meta drainage in Colombia. It is one of the smaller tetras, with a translucent body suffused with a warm ruby-red to orange glow that intensifies in mature males and under good conditions, and small red-tipped fins. It is a peaceful, somewhat shy shoaling fish that should be kept in groups of at least eight to ten, where it shows its best color and natural schooling behavior. Its small size makes it suitable only for peaceful nano communities, alongside small rasboras, pygmy corydoras, and dwarf shrimp. Soft, slightly acidic, warm water with gentle filtration suits it best, and a densely planted tank with subdued lighting brings out its coloration. It feeds on small live and frozen foods and finely crushed flakes. Breeding is possible but challenging, requiring very soft water and separation of eggs from the parents.