Colombian Red Fin Tetra – 4cm

Colombian Red Fin Tetra naturally inhabit small streams in the Acanti River basin of Colombia.  That area has heavy vegetation and tree roots going into the water from the banks, allowing this fish good cover. Replicate this by heavy planting in the aquarium.

These Tetras are very active swimmers with large eyes and a good set of teeth.  This keeps them safe from larger fish. They may have a tendency to nip when there are only one or two in the tank.  They are best kept in a group, but do not mix well with slower moving fish with flowing fins such as fancy guppies. Keep them in small school (shoal) of 6 or more. They can be an aggressive tetra, so avoid keeping them with fish that have larger fins to avoid fin nipping. They may also bully smaller tank mates.

The colour can be striking but if you fail to keep them in the correct conditions they can look quite plain and not reveal their brilliant reds and blues. They look really good in a tank that has plenty of live plants.

Filtration does not need to be particularly strong though it does seem to appreciate a degree of water movement. An air-powered sponge filter or air stone(s) should also be included to provide oxygenation and water movement.

Diet:

They are not picky eaters and will accept flake, frozen and freeze dried foods. For the best colours and condition offer them small but regular feedings of frozen and live foods such as daphnia, bloodworm and brine shrimp as well as high quality dried granules and flakes, making sure some of which include algae or plant content.