Tetra fish

Tetras are relatively easy to care for and do not require a large aquarium, which, coupled with their bright colors and excellent compatibility with other fish, has determined their success in the aquarium hobby.

Description

The average adult size is 4–5 cm, making the Tetra one of the smallest aquarium fish. Depending on the specific species, they have significant external differences both in body shape and structure, the size of the fins, and in color, which combines many bright colors and shades. At the same time, the differences between male and female within the species are not so pronounced. The exception is the African Tetras, where the males are more colorful.

Behavior and Compatibility

Peaceful, prefer to be in large clusters, numbering dozens of relatives. However, in a home aquarium, you can limit yourself to a group of 8-10 specimens. In a small group or being alone, these fish become shy and inactive. Isolation leads to a reduction in life expectancy, sometimes up to several months.

Due to their small size and peaceful disposition, they can be combined with many other non-aggressive species that can live in similar conditions.

Content

Although many generations of tetras live in the artificial environment of aquariums, they still need conditions reminiscent of their natural habitat. First of all, this refers to the hydrochemical composition of water. Successful long-term keeping is only possible in slightly acidic water with a low level of carbonate hardness (dGH) containing some dissolved tannins, in particular tannins. It is worth remembering that such an important parameter as lighting is noted – in bright light, the color of the fish fades, and in a muffled one, on the contrary, it appears in all its glory. As for the design, the choice of decor is not so critical, the fish can live quite comfortably even in a half-empty tank.

Reproduction / breeding

Under suitable conditions, spawning occurs regularly, and since there is no seasonal breeding in aquariums, fry can appear in large flocks almost every month or even more often. Parental instincts are not developed, fish, on occasion, will certainly eat their own caviar and offspring, which, however, is compensated by high fertility. One female during the mating season lays tens or hundreds of eggs. If you plan to start breeding, then immediately after spawning, it is worth transferring the eggs to a separate tank with identical water conditions.