36 Best Tetra Fish Types for Beginners (with Images)

The tetra fish species are pretty popular among aquarists as they come in attractive colors and have playful behavior.

Most of them are also perfect for beginners’ community tanks as they accept a variety of feeds, are robust, and can be easily cared for.

So, if you’re eager to begin your fishkeeping journey with tetras, let’s get started!

What We'll Cover:

What is a Tetra Fish?

Tetras are freshwater fish that belong to the order Characiformes and the family Characidae, and two former subfamilies: Alestidae and Lebiasinidae.

The name “tetra” actually refers to the formerly used genus – “Tetrogonopterus” – to group these species. In Greek, the term meant square-finned or four-sided-winged. But that no longer defines all kinds, and this grouping includes many other varieties of fishes as well.

In fact, there are more than 150 kinds of tetras in the aquarium trade, and they are mainly native to South America, Central America, and Africa.

It is schooling fish, i.e., it needs a school or group to survive, which, if not provided, can lead to various diseases.

The males in this species show gaudy coloration, flamboyant features, and a sleek body, while the females are rounder and have less bright colors.

Tetras are also known to be diurnal – active during the day and primarily sleep at night. Most of the species are usually peaceful, but poor living conditions may activate their fin-nipping behavior.

What are the Types of Tetra Fish?

1. Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi)

Average Size: Up to 3.0 cm (1.2 in)
Average Lifespan: Up to 5 years (in captivity); 10 years (in the wild)
Tank Level: Middle dweller
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivorous with Carnivorous tendencies
Tank Mates: 10-12 of other similar-sized and similar-tempered species
Minimum Tank Size: 25 gallons for 10

The slender-bodied fish has a silvery white abdomen and a light blue back. It has horizontal iridescent blue stripes on each side of its body. These stripes start from its nose and end at the adipose fin base.

It also has horizontal iridescent red stripes on each side from the middle region of the body to the base of the caudal fin.

Other than these stripes, the fish’s body and fins are partly transparent.

Aquarists love it due to its glowing body and peaceful, in-sync swimming.

The fish dims its color in dark environments and brightens itself in well-lit spaces.

2. Ember Tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae)

Average Size: 1.5-2.0 cm (0.6-0.8 in)
Average Lifespan: Up to 2-4 years
Tank Level: Middle to top dwellers
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivorous, prefers a carnivorous diet
Tank Mates: 10 of its own species, docile and similar-sized or smaller species
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons for 10 of the same species

The fish is slim and elongated, and it’s named so because of its ember-like glow. Its entire body is reddish-orange to pumpkin-orange with some translucent areas like pelvic fins.

There’s an ombre effect on the tall, thin, and black-tipped dorsal fin, which gradients from the original body color to a darker shade.

The forked caudal fin starts with the body color (or sometimes an even brighter shade) to a darker shade, but it slowly gradients to transparent near the back. On the other hand, pectoral and ventral fins are mostly transparent.

Its black eyes are outlined with orange.

Hobbyists love it because it looks delicate but is a robust species.

The body color of the fish can vary from bright red to yellow depending on its diet. Sometimes, age and stress can also affect its color.

3. Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi)

Average Size: Up to 3.0 cm (1.2 in)
Average Lifespan: Up to 3-5 years
Tank Level: Middle dwellers
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivorous but carnivorous tendencies
Tank Mates: 10 of its own, other small tetras, or peaceful and small species
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons for 10 of its own

The dwarf fish has one neon blue horizontal stripe on its back and a bright red stripe on its bottom, running from the nose to its tail.

The blue transitions into an iridescent blue-green shade depending on the lights and angles.

At night, in the lack of light, the fish seems brownish and transparent. There’s also a silvery white glow on its underside and back.

It has an adipose fin between its dorsal and caudal fins. All the fins are almost transparent, but the beginning of the tail fin is red.

It gained popularity due to its contrasting colors and peaceful nature.

Its lack of sense of danger results in its 1-year lifespan in the wild, so it’s mass-bred and raised commercially.

4. Congo Tetra (Phenacogrammus interruptus)

Average Size: Up to 7.6 cm (3.0 in) male, up to 5.0 cm (2.0 in) female
Average Lifespan: Up to 3-5 years
Tank Level: Middle to top dwellers
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivorous, inclination to carnivorous feed
Tank Mates: 6 of its own kind, other gentle and comparable-sized species
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons for a group of 6

The fish is a bit compressed and elongated with rich and glowing rainbow colors. The back of the fish is blue; the middle of the body has a horizontal shade of red to orange to gold, and the belly is again blue.

The male fish has flowy and long violet fins with white edges, and its tail fin is elongated in the middle. The male is much more brightly colored than the female fish.

The fish flaunts different color based on the type of lighting and angles, which can entertain aquarists for hours.

The fish feels shy if gazed at while feeding.

5. Rummy Nose Tetra (Hemigrammus rhodostomus)

Average Size: Up to 5 cm (2.0 in)
Average Lifespan: Up to 3-5 years (captivity), 6 years (in the wild)
Tank Level: Middle to bottom dwellers
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivorous
Tank Mates: 10 of its own species, other small and peaceful non-tetra species
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons for 10

The fish has a muted red head, but the color blocks before its gill covers. It has a clear body with a slight golden or bronze glow in some areas and clear fins. The tail fin has a faint and narrow alternate three black and four white stripes.

Its caudal peduncle top and bottom both have a black blotch and also has a narrow line extending from its central caudal fin laterally.

The fish is also available in albino and golden morphs.

Aquarists like its peaceful disposition and social nature.

It is easy to breed, but sexual dimorphism is nearly absent.

6. Black Neon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi)

Average Size: Up to 4 cm (1.6 in)
Average Lifespan: Up to 4-6 years
Tank Level: Middle to top dwellers
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivorous but prefers carnivorous feed
Tank Mates: 10 of its own species, other small and calm species
Minimum Tank Size: 25 gallons for 10

The slim-bodied small fish has two horizontal glowing stripes on both sides – the lower one is saturated velvety black, and the upper one is pale green to neon white.

Its underside is almost white, the back is bronze to brown, and all fins are translucent. Further, its eyes have red and yellow colors.

The species also has an albino morph.

It is incredibly hardy and requires well-maintained water conditions to thrive.

Out of all tetra species, this one most readily consumes its own fry, so be mindful while breeding.

7. Black Skirt Tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi)

Average Size: Up to 7.5 cm (3.0 in)
Average Lifespan: 3-5 years
Tank Level: Middle dwellers
Temperament: Very slightly aggressive
Diet: Omnivorous with carnivorous tendencies
Tank Mates: Its own group, other calm, similar-sized, and short-nipped species
Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons for 12 of them

The fish have a tetragonal body that is taller in the front that tapers off at the back. The entire body is silvery grey, and the head is much more shiny than the rest. Further, around its middle region, the color transitions to black.

It has flowy distinctly-shaped black fins, a squared and short dorsal fin, and a thin forked tail fin.

This fish got its name from its dramatic anal fin that begins at the middle region of the underside of the body and ends at the tail. The anal fin is thicker near the belly, which slowly becomes thinner.

Most of its fins are translucent and black or dark grey with tiny non-pointed rays.

It is also found in albino variants.

It is easy to maintain and quite robust for beginners.

The beauty of the fish is most prominent when housed with brightly-colored fish.

8. Serpae Tetra (Hyphessobrycon eques)

Average Size: Up to 5.0 cm (2 in)
Average Lifespan: Up to 2-5 years
Tank Level: Middle to bottom dwellers
Temperament: Peaceful, slightly aggressive during meals and when stressed
Diet: Omnivorous but prefers a carnivorous diet
Tank Mates: 10 of this species, other peaceful, small, short-finned fish
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons for 10 of its kind

It is an elongated, oval, laterally compressed fish, and its deep reddish color appears as if it is sprinkled with jewels. Behind its gills, it has a black blotch that roughly looks diamond-shaped or sometimes comma-shaped.

It also has a white-tipped black dorsal fin, and other fins are red. Its anal fin has a white pattern on the tip with black edges.

This fish also has a morph with long fins, aka Long fin red minor tetra or Long-finned serpae tetra.

The female fish and aged fish are not as bright as the young male fish.

It can tolerate a wide range of water parameters, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

It may often join the shoal of other species and get accepted as one of them.

9. Green Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon simulans)

Average Size: Up to 3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Average Lifespan: Up to 2-5 years
Tank Level: Middle to top dwellers
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivorous but needs more carnivorous feed
Tank Mates: 10 conspecifics, other small and peaceful species
Minimum Tank Size: 25 gallons for 10 of its own

The elongated and slim fish has a wide bluish-green horizontal stripe across its body. Right below it, there is another dull red stripe. It can dim or brighten its colors based on its surroundings.

Its fins are transparent except for its dorsal and anal fins, which have a slight touch of blue and green. The species also has a forked and transparent caudal and tail fin, which also has hints of blue and green marks. There’s also a black spot right behind its gills.

It is extremely stunning for a community and dedicated tanks and is easy to maintain.

The fish is easier to breed in groups than in pairs.

10. Buenos Aires Tetra (Psalidodon anisitsi)

Average Size: Up to 13.2 cm (5.2 in)
Average Lifespan: Up to 5-6 years
Tank Level: Middle to top dweller
Temperament: Slightly aggressive
Diet: Omnivorous
Tank Mates: 10 of its kind, other similar-sized and short-finned species
Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons for 10

This is one of the larger full-bodied tetras. Its silvery body shines under light and reflects all kinds of colors from the rainbow. A thin blue line extends from right behind its gills to its caudal or tail fin.

After the line ends, there’s a diamond or cross-shaped black spot. It has entirely or partly orange-red fins, and there’s a hint of red in its eyes.

There are multiple color morphs of this species as well.

It is often sought-after because of its colorful nature and easy-to-care-for nature.

The species is gluttonous and will always eagerly eat more.

11. Bloodfin Tetra (Aphyocharax anisitsi)

Average Size: 5.0 cm (2.0 in)
Average Lifespan: Up to 5-8 years
Tank Level: Middle to top dwellers
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivorous
Tank Mates: 8 of its kind, other peaceful, similar-sized, and short-finned species
Minimum Tank Size: 25 gallons for 8 of the same

The torpedo-shaped fish is silvery white, but the fins are red (other than pectoral fins). The head and middle region of its body are thick, and it narrows towards the tail. It has large black eyes.

Aquarists like it for being low-maintenance and its ability to add a pop of color to the tank.

The fish has a large black band over its iris, which helps reduce the glare from bright spaces.

12. Glowlight Tetra (Hemigrammus erythrozonus)

Average Size: Up to 5 cm (2 in)
Average Lifespan: Up to 2-4 years
Tank Level: Middle to bottom dwellers
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Carnivorous but can have omnivorous feed
Tank Mates: 10 of its kind, other small and calm species
Minimum Tank Size: 25 gallons for 10 of this species

The slender fish flaunts a neon reddish-orange horizontal stripe on its body from its snout to the tail. The anal and pelvic fins also have such gold filament-like features, but the rest of its body is transparent.

There’s a bit of red color around the front of the dorsal fin. The eyes are silver with a hint of bold reddish orange on the top.

It is popular for being inexpensive and tolerant.

It can get along with other species but hides around wild ones.

13. Lemon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis)

Average Size: Up to 5 cm (2 in)
Average Lifespan: Up to 2-4 years
Tank Level: Middle dwellers
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivorous
Tank Mates: 10 of its species, other small and calm species
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons for 10

The color of the deep-bodied fish is a mix of yellow-gold (or lemon color) and silver. Its anal fin’s anterior region is bright yellow, and the edge is black. Its eye is crimson red.

The young fish, however, is translucent and lightly colored.

Enthusiasts are in awe of how the fish ignores other species and minds its own business. It is also an easily available species among the sellers.

Its unique glowy colors might turn grey when stressed.

14. Black Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus)

Average Size: Up to 3.6 cm (1.4 in)
Average Lifespan: Up to 2-5 years
Tank Level: Middle to bottom dwellers
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Carnivorous but eats omnivorous feed as well
Tank Mates: 10 of its own species, other friendly and small species
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons for 10 of them

The laterally compressed oval fish is silvery white to grey and has a prominent black blotch behind its gills.

The front edge of its dorsal and anal fin are black-bordered. The dorsal fin and tail begin grey and transition to black.

While the dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins of males are much larger, the females have reddish adipose, anal, and pelvic fins.

The fish is hardy, low-maintenance, and abundantly available.

If the water is too hard, the fish sinks to the bottom.

15. Diamond Tetra (Moenkhausia pittieri)

Average Size: Up to 6 cm (2.4 in)
Average Lifespan: 3-5 years
Tank Level: Middle to bottom dweller
Temperament: Slightly aggressive and territorial
Diet: Carnivorous but adjusts to anything available
Tank Mates: 8 conspecifics, other calm, small, non-territorial, and short-finned species
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons for 8 of it

The stocky-bodied laterally compressed fish has silvery violet or greyish-white scales. Moreover, it shows different colored iridescence of orange, gold, and even a hint of green. It sparkles under the light, which results in the name diamond tetra.

Its black eye is encircled with white and has a little red spot towards the top.

The fish reveals its beauty as it grows which makes it a feast for the eyes.

Despite preferring carnivorous feed, it loves to munch on soft aquarium plants.

16. Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri)

Average Size: Up to 4.2 cm (1.7 in)
Average Lifespan: Around 3-5 years
Tank Level: Top and middle dwellers
Temperament: Peaceful, but aggression among males
Diet: Carnivorous but can be omnivorous
Tank Mates: 10 of its own, other small, calm, short-finned, and non-fin-nipping species
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons for 10 of the same species

The fish exhibits different colors based on lighting and angle. Its base color is beige-cream to silvery, and there’s a horizontal midnight blue to black stripe running along its body – from the gills to the tail fin.

The male fish has a purple sheen over this stripe with longer dorsal and tail fins. The tail also has its middle part elongated, making a trident. Its fins are transparent with a yellow tinge.

The peaceful fish is easily accepted by tank mates and has a striking appearance.

A heavily-vegetated tank can reduce aggression among male fish. In dim lighting, it seems purplish, and in bright lights, it appears yellowish.

17. Vampire Tetra (Hydrolycus scomberoides)

Average Size: Up to 51 cm (20 in) in captivity, up to 117 cm (46 in) in the wild
Average Lifespan: Usually 6 months – 1 year, rarely 2 years
Tank Level: Middle dwellers
Temperament: Aggressive, predatory
Diet: Carnivorous but accepts omnivorous food
Tank Mates: Not recommended
Minimum Tank Size: 500 gallons for a group of 6

The big streamlined fish has an iridescent silver body and translucent fins that are bordered with black color towards the edges.

Its head is prominently big with its upturned mouth. It also has sharp teeth with two big fangs; the upper jaw has holes where these sharp teeth enter when it closes its mouth.

The fish’s body becomes narrower towards its tail, and the tail fin is fan-shaped.

This is a favorite for pro-aquarists that have a taste for fierce-looking fish.

In the wild, the fish runs into schools of smaller fish and preys on the panicking fish.

18. Red Eye Tetra (Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae)

Average Size: Up to 7.0 cm (2.8 in)
Average Lifespan: Up to 5 years
Tank Level: Top and middle dwellers
Temperament: Slightly aggressive toward smaller species
Diet: Carnivorous, but accepts omnivorous diet
Tank Mates: 8-12 of the same species, other active and equally-sized species
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons for 8

As per the name of the fish, it has grey eyes with the top part red. It has an oval body with silvery-grey scales and transparent fins. With different lighting and angle, it sometimes shows iridescent shades.

It has an expansive anal fin and a small adipose fin. The tip of the forked tail fin is transparent, but the base has a black coloration.

The fish is not fussy about diet or water parameters. It is also much more active, unlike most tetras.

This fish is one of the most widely found tetras in South America.

19. Silver Tip Tetra (Hasemania nana)

Average Size: Up to 5 cm (2 in)
Average Lifespan: 3-4 years
Tank Level: Middle dwellers
Temperament: Peaceful, but tireless suitors
Diet: Carnivorous and omnivorous
Tank Mates: 10 conspecifics, other similar-sized, social, and short-finned species
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons for 10 of its own

The male fish is bright gold to orange and has a black spot on its caudal peduncle. Female fish is also golden, but it isn’t as bright.

However, the fish, irrespective of gender, has a silver tip on its caudal, dorsal, and anal fins – and hence, the name.

This tetra is exceptionally adaptable and can survive in any amateur’s tank.

A harem group (one male and multiple females) is preferred to prevent the female fish from getting tired from the male’s advances.

20. Bleeding Heart Tetra (Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma)

Average Size: Up to 5.0 cm (2.0 in)
Average Lifespan: Up to 5 years (in captivity); 8-10 years (in the wild)
Tank Level: Middle to bottom dwellers
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivorous with a preference for carnivorous meals
Tank Mates: 10 of its species, other similar-tempered, similar-sized, non-fin-nipping species
Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons for 10 of them

The fish’s body is laterally compressed and diamond-shaped, i.e., it is tall in the middle and tapers off to both ends. It has no monotonous color or pattern and is an indefinite mix of soft-toned colors: orange, beige, or silvery lavender.

On both sides, there’s a red pattern that looks heart-shaped when noticed for a moment. But if observed for a while, you’ll notice it’s an irregular shape.

With red and black eyes, the pectoral, anal, and tail fins are transparent. The dorsal fin, however, has a red and black blotch.

While the male fish has long sickle-shaped dorsal fins and long anal fins, a female fish has shorter fins.

Aquarium enthusiasts love it for being so beautiful yet inexpensive and easy to maintain.

You can tell it’s happy if it shows bright colors; fading colors show it’s stressed.

21. Green Fire Tetra (Aphyocharax rathbuni)

Average Size: Up to 7.1 cm (2.8 in)
Average Lifespan: 3-6 years
Tank Level: Middle to top dwellers
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivorous
Tank Mates: 8 of its own, other fast-moving and short-finned species
Minimum Tank Size: 25 gallons for 8

The body of the fish is primarily metallic blue-green; its anal fins and lower posterior part of the body are red. The red color also spreads over its tail fin as it grows.

When the young male fish matures, it also gets an additional white spot on the edges of its tail lobes.

The female fish, on the other hand, also has a blue horizontal stripe across its lateral line. It has similar red spots on its skin, but it has clear fins.

It attracts everyone with its unique color-changing ability as it grows.

Unlike most other tetras, this species lays much fewer eggs.

22. Mexican Tetra (Astyanax mexicanus)

Average Size: Up to 12 cm (4.7 in)
Average Lifespan: 3-5 years
Tank Level: Bottom to middle dwellers
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Primarily carnivorous but accepts omnivorous food
Tank Mates: Its own group, other fast, small, and short-finned species
Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons for 10-12

There are two types of Mexican tetra:

Cave-dwelling Mexican Tetra: It is blind and has a translucent beige-pink body with silvery scales.
Surface-dwelling Mexican Tetra: This one can see and is silvery-grey color. It also has a dark horizontal line across its body till the tail.

The female fish for both also has pointy ventral fins.

The fish is highly versatile to various tank conditions.

The cave-dwelling variant uses its lateral line to sense its surroundings and navigate through places.

23. Blue Tetra (Boehlkea fredcochui)

Average Size: Up to 3.8 cm (1.5 in) in captivity; Up to 5.0 cm (2.0 in) in the wild
Average Lifespan: Up to 3-4 years
Tank Level: Middle dwellers
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Primarily carnivorous, planktophage but can have omnivorous meals
Tank Mates: 6 of its own, peaceful, short-finned, and fast species
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons of 6 of the same

The oval fish has a non-uniform silvery blue body and translucent fins. In some areas (especially the back), the color darkens while it fades out in others.

There’s a dark blue color on its lateral line and it has dark blue eyes with a splash of pink color. The tail is curved, and the tail base has a bit of pink tone.

Aquarists love it for its unique blue color.

The fish is aggressive when hungry.

24. Red Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon sweglesi)

Average Size: Up to 3.0 cm (1.2 in)
Average Lifespan: Up to 2-3 years; Up to 5 years with best care
Tank Level: Middle to top dwellers
Temperament: Peaceful but nippy towards much smaller fish
Diet: Omnivorous
Tank Mates: Peaceful, comparable-sized species without delicate or long fins
Minimum Tank Size: 25 gallons for 10 of the species

The laterally compressed, diamond-shaped fish is colored from clear bronze to red due to its red scales. Its upper eye rims, fins, and tail are reddish orange. A black blotch is present behind its gill plate on the ventral side.

There’s a red line connecting its mouth and eyes and a black line across its eyes. Due to its translucent body, the fish seems as though it glows.

It is preferred for its striking colors and expressive attitude.

It can dim its colors to be less prominent to predators.

25. Pristella Tetra (Pristella maxillaris)

Average Size: Up to 5 cm (2 in)
Average Lifespan: Up to 4 years
Tank Level: Middle to top dwellers
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Carnivorous, but can have anything
Tank Mates: Its own group, other calm and small species
Minimum Tank Size: 25 gallons for 8 of them

The fish has a silver-to-yellowish transparent body. Its anal and dorsal fins have three stripes of bright yellow, black, and white.

Further, it has pink to red tail fins, but this shade varies among each fish. Its tail fork also has a yellowish shade.

Its see-through body and friendly nature attract aquarists.

It is also called X-ray tetra as it is completely transparent, and its skeletal structure is visible to the naked eye.

26. Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon paradoxus)

Average Size: Up to 12 cm (4.7 in)
Average Lifespan: 6-8 years
Tank Level: Top to middle dwellers
Temperament: Moderately aggressive
Diet: Omnivorous
Tank Mates: Not recommended; species tank only
Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons for 15 of the same

The torpedo-shaped fish has a silvery grey base body color, but it also shows iridescent yellow, red, and green here and there. It also has two dark blotches of black with bluish hints on its tail base and the middle region of its sides.

All fins are yellowish, but the dorsal, anal, and pectoral ones have red to orange blotches. Its tail fin has a pop of bright yellow flecks.

It has strong teeth, and its lips are positioned so that it can protect itself while attacking other fish.

The fish isn’t a fussy eater and can be a long-term companion.

Unlike most assumptions, the fish doesn’t have protruding teeth.

27. Flame Tetra (Hyphessobrycon flammeus)

Average Size: Up to 2.6 cm (1 in)
Average Lifespan: 4-5 years
Tank Level: Middle dwellers
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Carnivorous, but accepts omnivorous feed
Tank Mates: Its own group, other similar-sized and calm species
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons for 10 of them

The upper half body of the fish is golden, while the lower half is orange. It has two black stripes right behind its gills, and eyes have a blue ring.

The anal fin of the male fish is bright red, and that of the female fish is orange or yellow. The female fish’s pectoral fin is black-tipped.

It is low-maintenance and robust, which allows any aquarist to house a school of this fish.

Though small, it is a great hunting fish.

28. Penguin Tetra (Thayeria boehlkei)

Average Size: Up to 6.0 cm (2.4 in)
Average Lifespan: Up to 5 years
Tank Level: Top to middle dwellers
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Carnivorous preferences, but omnivorous
Tank Mates: A group of 10, other calm and similar-sized species
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons for 10 of them

The fish has a slender silver body with the slight iridescence of blue, green, yellow, and red around its gills. The fish also appears bluish at the tips depending on the lighting.

It has a black stripe behind its head until its tail base. Then it goes further down to the underside of the forked tail fin.

It is patient and non-competitive and also sparkles from different angles.

The fish swims with its head slanted upwards and is also called oblique tetras.

29. Rainbow Tetra (Nematobrycon lacortei)

Average Size: Up to 3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Average Lifespan: Up to 3-5 years
Tank Level: Middle dwellers
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Carnivorous and omnivorous
Tank Mates: Its group of 10, similar-sized calm species that don’t have similar looks
Minimum Tank Size: 25 gallons for 10 of them

The torpedo-shaped fish shows iridescence throughout its body and shows lots of red, pink, yellow, and blue colors. Based on the angle, you may also notice greens and purples. It also has a large head that tapers off toward the tail.

A dark line runs from both sides around its eyes to the caudal fin. This gives an illusion that the tail fin is a trident.

The female fish has bluish-green eyes, but the male fish has red eyes.

Their glowy and attractive body makes them a desirable species.

The sustenance of the fish is pretty complex for beginners.

30. Ruby Tetra (Axelrodia riesei)

Average Size: Up to 4 cm (1.6 in)
Average Lifespan: 2-3 years
Tank Level: Middle to top dwellers
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Carnivorous but also accepts omnivorous diet
Tank Mates: Alone or with even smaller and docile species
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons for 10-15 of them

This torpedo-shaped tetra has a round head and becomes slimmer towards the tail. Its fins are transparent but have iridescent blue streaks on the tip and a triangular black spot near its tail.

The body has a range of colors, from red to bright orange to pink. Its belly seems paler than the remaining body.

It’s loved for its color, peaceful nature with tank mates, and interesting fights among the males.

Unlike other tetras, this fish never shows fin-nipping tendencies. It also forms groups, each with one male and many females.

31. Blue Emperor Tetra (Inpaichthys kerri)

Average Size: 3.0 cm (1.2 in) or a bit longer
Average Lifespan: 2-5 years
Tank Level: Top and middle dwellers
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Carnivorous but can also live on an omnivorous diet
Tank Mates: A group of its own species, other calm and short-nipped species
Minimum Tank Size: 25 gallons for 10 of them

The slender streamlined fish has a cream or beige body. On both sides, a wide black horizontal stripe runs down to its tail.

The female fish has a red adipose fin, the male has a blue one, and both of their edges have a yellow coloring. The adult male fish shows a purple or blue sheen during the breeding season.

The male fish fight in groups which is pretty entertaining to hobbyists.

It is often mistakenly sold as “emperor tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri)”. But you can tell them apart as it has an adipose fin which is missing in Emperor Tetras.

32. Columbian Tetra (Hyphessobrycon columbianus)

Average Size: Up to 7 cm (2.8 in)
Average Lifespan: 3-5 years
Tank Level: Middle to bottom dwellers
Temperament: Slightly aggressive
Diet: Omnivorous
Tank Mates: Its group, other sociable, similar-sized, and smaller species
Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons for 10 of them

Columbian tetra is one of the most stunning-looking fish on the list. With an oval-shaped body, this fish has glowing scales, large beady eyes, and big teeth.

The anal and caudal fins are bright blood red, while the ventral fins are transparent and orange. The male fish is more brightly colored and has a longer dorsal fin than the female fish.

Its sparkly appearance with a pop of red attracts enthusiasts.

The fish was initially misidentified with the taxon name: Hyphessobrycon ecuadorensis.

33. Glass Bloodfin Tetra (Prionobrama filigera)

Average Size: Up to 6 cm (2.4 in)
Average Lifespan: Up to 4 years
Tank Level: Top to middle dwellers
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Carnivorous, planctophage, but accepts omnivorous feed
Tank Mates: Its own species
Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons for a group of 8-10

The fish has a translucent silver body like glass and a black stripe on its bottom portion. Unlike the bloodfin tetra, this fish only has a bright red tail fin.

It also has a pointy snout and two almost symmetrical dorsal fins.

It’s not as popular as bloodfin tetra, but its popping red color, peaceful nature, and amiable eating habits make it lovable.

Be careful about tank water acidity, or else its fin edge might mold.

34. False Rummy Nose Tetra (Petitella georgiae)

False rummy nose tetra on white background

Average Size: Up to 6.4 cm (2.5 in)
Average Lifespan: 3-5 years
Tank Level: Middle to top dwellers
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivorous, planctophage
Tank Mates: Its own group, other peaceful and similar-sized species
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons for 10 or more of them

Though it looks like the “true” rummy nose tetra at a glance, you can notice the difference if you look closely.

It has a slender and almost transparent body. Silver scales on its body make it sparkle and reflect all sorts of colors. The red color on its head is much duller and less spread out.

It also has alternate black and white bars on its tail fin, but the end of the forked tail is not transparent like the true rummy nose. It also has a longer tail, and a prominent black faded line is observed on the lateral line near the tail.

In my experience, I’ve known that this fish doesn’t make a fuss, so the owners can be stress-free.

Aquarists must be vigilant about nitrate levels for this species.

35. Flag Tetra (Hyphessobrycon heterorhabdus)

Average Size: 3.6-5 cm (1.5-2 in)
Average Lifespan: Up to 5 years
Tank Level: Middle dwellers
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivorous with an inclination to a carnivorous diet
Tank Mates: Its own group, other similar-sized peaceful species
Minimum Tank Size: 25 gallons for 10

The slender laterally compressed fish has a silver belly, brownish-black and silver back, and part of its iris is red-orange.

From its gill cover to its tail, it has a black horizontal stripe, and right above it is an iridescent stripe that seems yellow to green. And even above it, there’s a thin orange line, but this is not prominent.

It is a docile, friendly fish and also an ideal resident of a well-researched community aquarium.

The species is not difficult to mate, but egg and fry development is hard.

36. Firehead Tetra (Hemigrammus bleheri)

Average Size: Up to 5.0 cm (2 in)
Average Lifespan: About 5 years
Tank Level: Middle dwellers
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivorous but prefers carnivorous meals
Tank Mates: 10 of its own kind, other small and calm species
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons for 10 of them

The fish has an almost transparent body with silver-edged fins. The head of the fish is bright red, and the color drags a bit past the gill plate, which often looks like a tapered shape.

Both on top and bottom of the caudal peduncle has a dark blotch. An extremely faint or almost absent lateral line from the caudal fin is observed.

Its tail has alternate three black and four white horizontal bars.

It is very peaceful and can thrive with most other species without trouble.

The fish is often confused with rummy nose tetra (even by sellers), which led to its name firehead or brilliant rummynose tetra.

A word from FishInAquarium

The best part about tetras is that there is a type for everyone. Even if you have a low budget, you will still find an inexpensive type and bring home a bunch of them.

With that, I hope you got all your answers and are one step closer to deciding which tetra you want. If it helped you, share with your fellow aquarists to help them bring home a tetra.

But if there’s a question still bugging you, don’t hesitate to drop us a mail!