How to Care for Baby Tetra Fish

Tetra fish, from the Characidae family, are small freshwater fish that come in various species. They are common in aquariums because, in addition to their colorful appearance and playful nature, they are easy to care for. With the proper food, water and tank upkeep, you will help your baby tetra fish grow into healthy adults.

Things You'll Need

  • 10-gallon fish tank
  • 10 Tetra fish
  • Underwater heater
  • Floating plants
  • Synthetic aquarium plants
  • Soft water
  • Flake fish food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep multiple tetra fish in tank between 10 and 20 gallons. Tetras are schooling fish, so they can become despondent and even depressed if they are left alone. Try to keep them with five to 10 other fish of the same species to maintain their mood as they mature. Because they are relatively small, they should thrive in a tank that size.

    • 2

      Maintain a water temperature between 71 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Tetras are tropical fish, and they need to have warm water to thrive. If the tank water is not that warm, heat it with an under-tank heater that you can buy at a pet or reptile supplies store.

    • 3

      Leave plenty of open space for your baby tetra to swim. They are lively fish, and they like to explore their surroundings.

    • 4

      Reduce the light the tank receives by placing a few floating plants inside. Tetra enjoy swimming in and out of plants, so mimic this environment inside of the tank by adding several synthetic plants. If the tank becomes too crowded, and the aquarium plants take up too much space, transfer your fish to a larger tank.

    • 5

      Feed your baby tetras a high-quality flake fish food. Feed once a day, and only the required amount of food specified by the food instructions. Don't overfeed.

    • 6

      Clean the fish tank regularly, or whenever you see grime build-up. If possible, use soft water in your tank because tetras will adjust better to the pH levels in soft water compared with hard water.