Tetra Varieties

Tetras are a group of tropical freshwater fishes belonging to the family Charicidae. The various species that make up the family of tetras vary in size from less than 1 inch in length to more than 3 inches. Tetras can be found all over the world in rivers, streams and even caves in North America as well as Central America and South America. Though there are more than 150 species of tetra in existence, some are more popular in the aquarium hobby and, thus, more readily available.

  1. Neon Tetra

    • Neon tetras are one of the most popular and easily recognized varieties of tetra. These fishes remain small, typically growing to a maximum length around 1.5 inches and their peaceful temperament makes them the perfect addition to a community tank. Neon tetras have light blue backs and silver abdomens with a red horizontal stripe running along the body. Neon tetras are very hardy, able to adapt to a variety of tank conditions, but they prefer a temperature between 70 and 78 (21 to 26 degrees Fahrenheit) degrees Farenheit and pH between 5.0 and 7.5. Neon tetras are rather difficult to breed, but you may breed them in pairs in a dimly lit tank outfitted with fine-leaved plants.

    Black Skirt Tetra

    • Also called the black widow tetra and the hi-fin black skirt tetra, the black skirt species is a popular choice among novice aquarium hobbyists. These fish have silver-gray bodies with two black stripes behind the gills and black coloration on the dorsal and anal fins. Like all tetras, black skirt tetras are a schooling species that are best kept with six or more of their own species. These fish can be kept in the community tank as long as they have plenty of open swimming space. Black skirt tetras prefer a temperature range between 68 and 78 degrees Farenheit (20 to 26 degrees Fahrenheit) with pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

    Serpae Tetra

    • The serpae tetra is notorious for its aggressive, fin-nipping behavior. Housing these tetras in a school with six or more of their own species can help to keep the fin-nipping contained to within the group. These fish are also known by the names blood tetra and jewel tetra, both inspired by the red coloration on their bodies. The anal and dorsal fins are fringed in black, and there is also a small black mark just behind the gill cover. These fish originate from the Amazon River basin, and they prefer a water temperature between 72 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit (22 to 26 degrees Celcius) and pH between 5.0 and 7.5.

    Red Eye Tetra

    • Red eye tetras are relatively devoid of coloration except for a vertical black band on the caudal fin and a red circle around the eye. These fish grow to a maximum size around 3 inches and adapt well to a variety of tank conditions. Though they are undemanding in regards to water quality, red eye tetras prefer a temperature between 72 and 79 degrees Farenheit (22 to 26 degrees Celcius) and pH between 6.0 and 8.0. Like most tetras, red eye tetras are schooling fish that should be kept with at least six of their own species. You can keep these fish with other peaceful community species like rainbowfish, rasboras, loaches, barbs and corydoras catfish.

    Glowlight Tetra

    • Glowlight Tetras are medium-size tetras, typically growing to lengths between 1.5 and 2 inches. Glowlight tetras are silver in color with an iridescent orange or red stripe running horizontally from the nose to the tail. The fins of these fish are transparent apart from the front part of the dorsal fin, which is the same color as the stripe. Glowlight tetras are native to Guyana, though most species found in pet stores are commercially bred. This species is highly adaptable but prefers a tank temperature between 75 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 28 degrees Celcius) and pH between 5.5 and 7.5. Glowlight tetras are peaceful and therefore perfect for the general community tank.