What Is Tetra?

Tetra are a species of fish found mainly in South America and Africa. Neon tetra are the most commonly seen types of the species and are available to purchase as pets for aquariums. They are beautiful iridescent fish that travel in schools. If you are thinking about buying fish for an aquarium, tetra may be a good option.

  1. Definition

    • Tetra are a species of fish that are part of the Characidae family. They are usually found in streams and rivers in South America and in Africa. There are different types of tetra. Neon tetra are the most common types of the species bought for aquarium use.

    Neon Tetra

    • Neon tetra are the most commonly bred type of the species available to buy for aquariums. The are small, generally growing to 2.2 cm. Tetra have bright colors and a sparkly blue iridescent strip across their bodies. This distinctive feature is so they can be seen in dark water in their native northern South America.

    Schools

    • Tetra are non-aggressive fish that travel in schools. The effect of a school of tetra swimming together is quite beautiful because of their iridescent coloring. Tetra that are forced to live alone become quite stressed and will spend most of their time hiding, even if there are no predators.

    Aquarium

    • Tetra are beautiful fish to have in an aquarium.

      When buying tetra for an aquarium, buy at least five of them. This species of fish does not do well alone. Aquarium pH range is 5.0-7.0 and recommended dH range 1-2. The tetra will eat most types of fish food, such as flake, frozen and freeze-dried food. In order to keep them well nourished, vary the types of food you feed them. Aquarium tetra can live approximately 10 years, which is more than tetra living in their natural habitat. Be sure not to buy fish that might eat the tetra.