Wadai tetra
The wadai tetra is a recently described characin from the Rio Aripuanã drainage in the Brazilian Amazon, part of the rosy-tetra assemblage. It shows a warm reddish to orange body with a small dark humeral mark and attractively coloured dorsal and anal fins, males developing more elongated finnage and stronger colour. It is a peaceful, sociable shoaler best kept in groups of eight or more, where males display to rivals with raised fins. It integrates smoothly into an Amazon-themed community alongside other tetras, hatchetfish and corydoras. Provide soft to moderately soft, slightly acidic water, gentle current, driftwood, leaf litter and diffuse lighting. As an omnivore it readily takes quality flake and micro-pellets supplemented with frozen and live foods such as bloodworm, daphnia and artemia. Clean, stable water and a mature planted tank support good colour and vitality.
Water parameters
| Temperature | 23 – 28 °C |
|---|---|
| pH | 5.5 – 7.2 |
| Carbonate hardness (KH) | 1 – 6 °dKH |
| General hardness (GH) | 2 – 12 °dGH |
Tank & stocking
| Minimum tank volume | 80 L |
|---|---|
| Volume budget per individual | 5 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 Wadai tetra need?
Provide at least 80 litres for a small group to keep Wadai tetra in good conditions.
What water parameters does Wadai tetra need?
A temperature of 23–28 °C, pH 5.5–7.2.
Is Wadai tetra peaceful or aggressive?
Its temperament is peaceful.
What does Wadai tetra eat?
Its diet: omnivore.
How many Wadai tetra should be kept together?
It is a social species: keep a group of at least 8.
How big does Wadai tetra get?
Around 4 cm as an adult.
Is Wadai tetra suitable for beginners?
Care level: intermediate.
Planning a tank with Wadai 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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