Blue Tetra
The Blue Tetra is a small, streamlined characin washed in a shimmering steel-blue sheen that intensifies under good conditions and subdued lighting. It comes from the upper Amazon basin in Peru and Brazil, inhabiting soft, warm, slow-moving tributaries. Although sold as a peaceful community fish, it is an active, sometimes persistent fin-nipper, so keep it in a tight group of eight or more to diffuse aggression and avoid long-finned or slow tankmates. A larger shoal also brings out its best colour and natural schooling. Maintain warm water at 23-27 C, soft to moderately hard and slightly acidic to neutral, with gentle flow and some planting. It is an easy omnivore, taking flakes, micro-pellets, and small frozen or live foods. Provide varied feeding and stable water for steady health.
Water parameters
| Temperature | 23 – 27 °C |
|---|---|
| pH | 6 – 7.5 |
| Carbonate hardness (KH) | 1 – 8 °dKH |
| General hardness (GH) | 2 – 12 °dGH |
Tank & stocking
| Minimum tank volume | 80 L |
|---|---|
| Volume budget per individual | 6 L — adds up with tank-mates |
| Minimum group size | 8 individuals (shoaling) |
“Minimum tank volume” is a reasonable floor, not an absolute limit. The per-individual budget is used by the Aqua app to estimate how heavily a tank is stocked.
Frequently asked questions
What size aquarium does Blue Tetra need?
Provide at least 80 litres for a small group to keep Blue Tetra in good conditions.
What water parameters does Blue Tetra need?
A temperature of 23–27 °C, pH 6–7.5.
Is Blue Tetra peaceful or aggressive?
Its temperament is semi-aggressive.
What does Blue Tetra eat?
Its diet: omnivore.
How many Blue Tetra should be kept together?
It is a social species: keep a group of at least 8.
How big does Blue Tetra get?
Around 5 cm as an adult.
Is Blue Tetra suitable for beginners?
Care level: intermediate.
Planning a tank with Blue Tetra?
AquaTender turns these parameters into live advice: it checks whether your tank is big enough, how heavily it's stocked, and whether your fish are compatible — then tracks water tests, photos and maintenance for you.
Fish from the same biotope
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