31 Amazing Types Of Tetra Species

• byAlison Yang

There are so many types of tetras that you can choose to keep in your aquarium that it’s tough to know where to start. Just when you think you have a favorite, you discover another!

And that’s why we made this resource. This list will serve as an easy place to compare all the d

1. Black Skirt Tetra

The Black Skirt Tetra is a beautiful species with dramatic fins. It’s most standout feature is its flowing anal fin, which inspired its name. The fin runs along the nearly half of the fish’s length, accentuating its tetragonal shape.

Rather than the bright colors of other tetra species, the Black Skirt takes on a darker appearance. It’s covered in gray silver and black. Two vertical stripes in the middle of the body add an eye-catching accent.

Despite their foreboding looks, Black Skirt Tetras are very easy-going. They’re a peaceful community fish that prefer to be in groups of at least five.

These fish originally come from rivers in South America. Thus, they prefer warm waters and a well-kept habitat with plenty of vegetation. Known for their curious personalities, Black Skirt Tetras will spend most of the day swimming in unison to explore the tank.

• Size: 3 inches
• Difficulty: Beginner
• Minimum Tank Size: 15 to 20 gallons

2. Ember Tetra

Naturally found throughout Central Brazil, the Ember Tetra is a lesser-known tetra species with a lot to offer. It has a familiar shape that’s shared among many fish in the tetra family. But, it has a distinct color that stands out.

As its name would imply, this fish is almost entirely covered in an orange hue. It mimics the natural color of amber, which stands out nicely against a natural backdrop.

In terms of care, Ember Tetras are a great fish for beginners. They are generally unfussy and do well in standard tropical water conditions. Embers do best in warm temperatures between 73 and 84 degrees. They also like relatively neutral waters with a hardness rating between 5 and 17 dGH.

Like other types of tetra, Embers are shoaling fish. They swim around in groups, creating a stunning swathe of color in your aquarium.

• Size: 1 inch
• Difficulty: Beginner
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

3. Neon Tetra

One of the most recognizable tetra species out there is the Neon Tetra. This fish is hugely popular in the aquarium trade and is often found in pet stores the world over.

Revered for their bright coloration, the Neon Tetra can’t be missed. It has a vibrant stripe of neon blue that runs along its body and a pop of red on its lower half. This combination of colors makes the fish stand out no matter what kind of decor you choose to use in its tank!

In the right lighting conditions, their color pops out even more!

Neon Tetras make great community fish. They play well with others and usually stick to the upper and middle parts of the water column. With some careful planning, these fish can easily become a part of a diverse group of fish.

• Size: 1.5 inches
• Difficulty: Beginner
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 to 20 gallons

4. Serpae Tetra

Often referred to as the Jewel Tetra or Callistus Tetra, the Serpae Tetra is an active fish species that are sure to add some life to your aquarium. They come from the Amazon River Basin and spend most of their time hiding in murky waters to stay safe from predators.

But in captivity, these fish stand out! They take on a reddish-brown color and have several black accents. Black edging on the fins as well as a comma-shaped stripe on the body gives the fish an interesting look.

The color of the Serpae Tetra is largely dependent on a good diet. Their vibrancy can change throughout their lives, so a high-quality diet is a must-have.

Luckily, these fish are omnivores that will eat most foods without any issue. They do fine on dry commercial foods. However, they enjoy protein-rich snacks like bloodworms and brine shrimp, t

• Size: 1.75 inches
• Difficulty: Beginner-Intermediate
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

5. Green Neon Tetra

The Green Neon Tetra is one of the most misidentified species in the tetra family. At first glance, it’s not hard to see why. They have the same shimmering blue stripe and plashes of red as their more famous cousins.

However, the vividness of these colors is what distinguishes the Green Neon Tetra from other species. The red coloration is fainter. In some specimens, it’s barely noticeable.

Meanwhile, the background green color is more visible. The neon blue stripe also tends to be more prominent. The differences are much more apparent when these fish live in the same tank as other types of tetra.

Green Neon Tetras do well in large groups and community tanks. They’re low-maintenance fish that easily cohabitates with others. As long as there are no aggressive fish or super-active species in the tank, aggressive behaviors and stress shouldn’t be a problem.

• Size: 1 inch
• Difficulty: Beginner
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 to 20 gallons

6. Congo Tetra

First introduced to the aquarium trade in the 1970s, the Congo Tetra quickly became a popular commodity. It’s not hard to see why.

Half of the fish’s body is covered in beautiful iridescent blue. Hints of gold, violet, and bright orange make up the rest of the body. The fins are considerably longer than most types of tetras, too. This creates an eye-catching display regardless of your tank’s decor.

When it comes to care, Congo Tetras are pretty easy-going. They prefer warm temperatures around 76 degrees Fahrenheit, neutral pH levels, and low hardness.

They willingly accept most foods. The fish do fine on dried commercial foods but also enjoy nutrient-rich live snacks every once in a wild. Be careful about live plants! Congo Tetras are notorious for nipping leaves.

Like most tetra species, Congos are peaceful and non-aggressive. They like to stick in groups. It helps them feel more confident and safe in their surroundings.

• Size: 3 to 3.5 inches
• Difficulty: Beginner-Intermediate
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

7. Bloodfin Tetra

The aptly named Bloodfin Tetra is an interesting species with a lot to offer in the looks department. Most of the body is covered in silver. The scales have an iridescent sheen, producing tones of purple and turquoise, too.

But that’s not what makes the fish special. It’s the fins that stand out. As their name would imply, the Bloodfin Tetra has bright red fins. The color is most concentrated on the tailfin, the anal fin, and the dorsal fin. You might see some splashes of red on the pelvic fins, too.

The Bloodfin Tetra is endemic to the Parańa River Basin in South America. Thus, they prefer warmer waters around 70 degrees.

The fish are tolerant of a wide range of conditions, making them an excellent choice for newcomers. That said, they still require stable waters to truly thrive.

• Size: 2 inches
• Difficulty: Beginner
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

8. Rummy Nose Tetra

Next up, we have the Rummy Nose Tetra. Can you guess what it’s most defining feature is?

The entire head of the fish is covered in bright red. It offers a nice contrast to the rest of the body, which is neutral silver. You’ll see some neat detail on the tailfin, too.

It has horizontal stripes of clean white and staunch black. This unique combination of colors and patterns make for a very interesting-looking fish!

They’re an excellent schooling fish. They should be kept in groups of at least six fish. But if you have a spacious tank, you can add even more! These are schooling fish that will swim together in unison, creating an impressive show.

This fish is very passive and easy-going. It’s also quite easy to breed in captivity. With a bit of patience, you can easily induce spawning and raise a healthy population of Rummy Nose Tetras!

• Size: 2.5 inches
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

9. Emperor Tetra

Found throughout rivers in Colombia, Emperor Tetra is a beautiful species. Their scales produce a deep purple sheen in low-light conditions, giving them the appearance of royalty.

You’ll also notice a thick black band running the entire length of the body. It’s accompanied by some shimmering white and black striping on the fins. The eys are bright metallic green, which pops in the right light conditions.

As you can guess, these fish do best in low-light tanks. They prefer a dark substrate and plenty of hiding places to retreat to during the day. Dense vegetation, driftwood, and rock caves all work well.

As always, Emperor Tetras prefer to stay in groups. You may encounter some fighting between the males. They can get a bit territorial. But, the fighting is usually mild and doesn’t lead to any serious injuries.

• Size: 2 inches
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

10. Black Neon Tetra

Low-maintenance and easy to care for, the Black Neon Tetra is a great option for new and experienced aquarists alike. They are very similar to their more famous cousin, the Neon Tetra.

You’ll notice that they have the same torpedo-shaped body. However, the Black Neon Tetra is covered in much darker tones. The body is primarily black with some dark green undertones. However, two vivid iridescent stripes create a nice accent as they swim.

Black Neon Tetras live in blackwaters in the wild. The water is stained by decaying leaves. While you don’t have to replicate that look in your tank, you can mimic the water chemistry.

These fish do best in waters that are slightly acidic. pH levels between 5.0 and 7.5 are ideal. They also do best when conditions are on the warmer side.

• Size: 1.5 inches
• Difficulty: Beginner
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

11. Cardinal Tetra

Here’s another popular type of tetra species that’s often misidentified. Due to its familiar looks, this fish is most often mistaken for a Neon Tetra. While they do look similar, you’ll notice some big differences upon closer inspection.

The most notable is the presence of the red stripe (these are very colorful fish). For Neon Tetras, the red stripe runs along about half the body. For the Cardinal Tetra, it extends from the gills and runs down to the tail. For most specimens, the red color even bleeds into the tailfin a bit.

Cardinal Tetras are docile and very easy to care for. They do well in groups and will spend most of their time swimming in shoals.

Natural decor is best for these fish. They enjoy swimming through plants and getting some shelter from the light.

• Size: 2 inches
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 to 20 gallons

12. Flame Tetra

Also known as the Von Rio Tetra, the Flame Tetra is a standout species with a distinct look. It’s named after its beautiful red and orange color.

Most of the fish is shiny silver in color. But, the sides take on a bronze orange hue. The lower half has a vibrant splash of red, creating a fire-like appearance.

In the wild, Flame Tetras are usually found in coastal rivers of Brazil. They do best in tanks modeled after their natural habitat. So, you must provide slow-moving water, fine sand substrate, and plenty of plants.

Like some other types of tetra, Flame Tetras don’t like a ton of light. They prefer things to be a bit more subdued. This is great because their coloration tends to pop in low-light conditions.

You can improve color even more with a great diet. The fish will eat just about anything, so provide a balanced diet that’s rich in vitamins and nutrients.

• Size: 1.5 inches
• Difficulty: Beginner
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

13. Blue Tetra

The Blue Tetra is a cool-colored species that comes from the Amazon River Basin. It has a similar profile and shape as other tetra species that you might be familiar with. But, it’s color is quite unique.

The body is covered in iridescent silver. Accompanying that base color is a bright blue stripe. The stripe is located on the base of the tail and gradually fades out at about the mid-point of the body.

Hints of pink really bring out this fish’s shine. When kept in an aquarium with a dark substrate, the color and shimmer of the fish are much more apparent.

Blue Tetras need natural decor and an uncrowded tank to feel safe. Like many other types of tetras, they are peaceful and do best in groups. When the tank is overcrowded, the fish often gets stressed out and resorts to fin-nipping!

• Size: 2 inches
• Difficulty: Beginner
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

14. Ruby Tetra

Next up, we have the Ruby Tetra. As its name would imply, this fish is predominantly red. Most of the body is light red to pink in color. However, splashes of more vibrant red are found on the dead and tail.

Most specimens also have a small spot of black on the base of the caudal fin. The other fins have a subtle highlight of shimmering blue, giving the fish an eye-catching look.

Ruby Tetras are shoaling fish. They group up and stay together for social reasons. However, they’ll still go off and do their own thing every once in a while before returning to the group.

These fish prefer slightly acidic waters. Their natural habitat is stained with tannins, so the acidity of their environment in captivity is important.

To truly thrive, water conditions must be pristine. In a well-kept tank, the coloration of this fish will become more vibrant.

• Size: 0.8 inches
• Difficulty: Beginner-Intermediate
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

15. Rainbow Tetra

Rainbow Tetras are one of the rarer species of the tetra family. In the wild, they’re only found in isolated forest pools near the headwaters of the Rio Calima.

To help the fish reach its full potential, it’s best to recreate this environment as much as possible. This means providing a soft sand substrate, dense vegetation, and some wood branches. Many owners see success in adding dry leaf litter, too.

This acts as another food source for the fish as the leaves decompose. Plus, the leaves release those all-important tannins and other chemicals that benefit the fish.

Rainbow Tetras have many colors on their body. In normal lighting conditions, you’ll notice that the body is covered in silver. A stripe of brown runs along the entire length of the fish from snout to tail.

Subtle splashes of iridescent blue cover the lower part of the body. In low light, this blue shimmers to give the fish its rainbow-like appearance.

• Size: 2 inches
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

16. Lemon Tetra

If you’re looking to add a splash of yellow to your aquarium, the Lemon Tetra has you covered. Shiny silver is the main color you’ll see on the body. But, they also have vibrant spots of yellow.

You can find the yellow color on their head, tail, and fins. Some fish even have a bit of yellow on the eye. Though, most of the eye is bright red.

As with other varieties of tetra, Lemons are known for their peaceful disposition. They belong in peaceful community tanks. For the best results, keep a group of six or more Lemon Tetras.

The fish adapt well to a wide range of conditions. They can stay healthy is waters that are between 68 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. While they like slightly acidic conditions, they can tolerate some alkalinity, too.

• Size: 1.5 inches
• Difficulty: Beginner
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

17. Diamond Tetra

The Diamond Tetra is built to be the shining star of your tank! Endemic to Lake Valencia in Venezuela, Diamond Tetras do best in tanks with a nature-inspired setup.

Make sure to add a lot of different plant species. In aquariums with dense vegetation, these fish will develop intense coloration that stands out.

Speaking of coloration, Diamond Tetras certainly live up to their name. Their bodies are covered in ultra-shiny scales. The scales have an iridescent quality. It’s more noticeable than in other tetra fish species.

In the right lighting, you’ll see all kinds of colors on the rainbow spectrum. As if that weren’t enough, the fish also have long flowing fins. The fins also have an iridescent shimmer despite being transparent.

You can help boost the fish’s coloration with a good diet. Small live frozen or live foods are known to help the fish reach its full color potential.

• Size: 2 inches
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

18. Buenos Aires Tetra

Found in the Rio de la Plata in Argentina, the Buenos Aires Tetra is another species with a lot of colors. At one point, these fish were very popular in the aquarium trade. That popularity has waned a bit, but you can still easily find these fish from breeders.

The reason the Buenos Aires Tetra has fallen out of favor is its behavior. It has a reputation for eating and destroying live plants. Thus, you’ll have to use artificial plants in your tank.

The good news is that the species adapts well to life in captivity. It’s unfussy when it comes to water parameters.

The Buenos Aires Tetra has splashes of red, yellow, green, and blue. The red is found on the pectoral, anal, and caudal fins. Meanwhile, a subtle splash of blue if usually on the dorsal fin.

The most prominent feature is its shimmering stripe of yellow. Running horizontally, the stripe will shine with hints of green depending on your lighting.

• Size: 2.75 inches
• Difficulty: Beginner
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

19. Penguin Tetra

The Penguin Tetra is a beautiful fish with neutral coloration. Rather than the vibrant tones that you find on many different types of tetras, this species sticks with black and silver.

Most of the body is covered in a shiny silver that catches the light. A thick black stripe breaks up that shimmer. It runs from the gills down to the tail. In most specimens, the stripe will continue down the bottom fork of the tail fin.

These are schooling fish that need a group to stay healthy. Without others, the fish will spend most of its time in hiding. They do best in groups of six or more. When comfortable, the group will swim in unison.

Penguin Tetras aren’t difficult to care for at all. They adapt well to standard freshwater setups. Plus, they are omnivores that will accept any food you provide. For the best results, provide a varied diet with dry food and live snacks.

• Size: 3 inches
• Difficulty: Beginner
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

20. Glowlight Tetra

The Glowlight Tetra is a species that looks best in low-light conditions. The dominant color of the fish is a silvery peach. The color blends in nicely with the surroundings.

However, these fish have a vibrant red stripe that stretches from the head to the tail. The red color glows in the right lighting, making the fish look like a glowing filament.

You have to be a bit more careful with Glowlight Tetras when it comes to community planning. Certain fish, such as Angelfish, are attracted to the glowing appearance of this tetra. They almost always attempt to eat them!

It’s best to avoid any fast-swimming fish. Keep tank mates small to avoid any potential accidents.

As always, a group of Glowing Tetras is best. Unlike other types of tetras, these fish will not school with fish outside of their species. They won’t even school with Neon or Cardinal Tetras.

• Size: 1.5 inches
• Difficulty: Beginner
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

21. Bleeding Heart Tetra

Bleeding Heart Tetras are a shy fish that needs others to feel secure. When kept alone, they can get slightly aggressive. Most will start nipping at fins. The stress of being alone can also cause disease and premature death!

To make the fish feel comfortable, you need a group of about half a dozen. A well-decorated tank is a must as well. They prefer dense vegetation and a lot of hiding places.

Rocks, overturned pots, driftwood, and even PVC pipes work well. Unlike other tetras, Bleeding Hearts stay towards the middle and bottom of the water column. If they rise to the top too often, it might mean that they’re not getting enough oxygen.

These fish are named after a red spot on their body. Aquarists typically refer to this spot as a “heart.” The rest of the body has a pinkish-brown color. Long fins with shades of shimmering pink and white complete their beautiful look.

• Size: 2 inches
• Difficulty: Beginner
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

22. Redeye Tetra

Here’s a type of tetra species that can tolerate fluctuating conditions. In the wild, the Redeye Tetra lives in South America. They’re often found in clear waters.

Those waters often become murky with heavy rains, which dramatically changes the water conditions. This unique habitat benefits the fish when they’re in captivity.

They can live in temperatures between 73 and 82 degrees. The fish can tolerate pH levels from an acidic 5.5 to a more alkali 8.5, too. Of course, it’s always better to keep things stable.

The name of this fish is inspired by its looks. The most defining feature is its bright red eye. The color stands out in natural decor and makes the fish more visible against the tank’s backdrop.

The rest of the body is quite neutral. The fish is predominantly silver. However, they do have a dark black tail with a hint of white at the base.

• Size: 2.75 inches
• Difficulty: Beginner
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

23. Black Phantom Tetra

Originally from Paraguay and Brazil, the Black Phantom Tetras are very popular in the aquarium trade. With its unique name comes a unique look.

The fish is mostly dark gray. The long dorsal, anal, and caudal fins take on a darker black color. The fish also has a unique spot behind its gills.

The spot is dark black. Bluish white lines on the front and back of this spot make it look like a human eye!

Black Phantom Tetras can be a bit more challenging to care for than their more famous cousins. That’s because they’re sensitive to water to water conditions. The fish respond poorly to fluctuations in temperature, pH level, and ammonia levels.

As a result, you’ll need to perform frequent water changes and test the water regularly. It’s also important to fit the tank with a tight cover. Black Phantom Tetras are notorious jumpers!

• Size: 1.75 inches
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

24. Mexican Tetra

The Mexican Tetra originates from the lower Rio Grande and eastern Mexico. It’s also found in the Pecos Rivers in Texas. The fish goes by many trade names. You might see it being referred to as the Blind Cave Tetra.

Not all Mexican Tetras are blind. But, the blind variants have become very popular among aquarists because they have a pinkish white color that’s reminiscent of albino fish. They also have no eyes!

The standard Mexican Tetra is basic in appearance. It’s silver and has that familiar tetra shape.

Mexican Tetras are very hardy. Even the blind variants of this fish do well in captivity. Despite their inability to see, the fish have no problem navigating an aquarium or finding food!

They prefer subdued lighting and gravel substrate. This is much different than most tetra species. But, it mimics the caves and shallow waters these fish call home in the wild.

• Size: 4 inches
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Minimum Tank Size: 25 gallons

25. Silvertip Tetra

Here’s another unique type of tetra that doesn’t follow norms. The Silvertip Tetra inhabits small creeks and tributaries in the wild. Those bodies of water usually lack vegetation.

As a result, plants are not necessary for Silvertip Tetras in captivity. They can do well with plants in the environment, but they also thrive in sparse tanks. Simple sandy substrate and some driftwood branches are all they need.

Silvertip Tetras are small fish with some intricate details on their body. The main body is basic gray. However, the fins are more noteworthy.

The tail fin is black at the base. The black coloration extends through the fork of the tail. Surrounding the base of the fork are two silver dots. You can also find silver dots on the tips of each fin.

These silver spots shimmer in the light, giving the fish a much more interesting look.

• Size: 2 inches
• Difficulty: Beginner
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

26. Columbian Tetra

While tetras are typically peaceful by nature, there are some exceptions. The Columbian Tetra can exhibit slightly aggressive behavior. They’re slightly bigger than most tetra species.

As a result, they are known to bully smaller fish and nip at fins. This behavior gets even worse when there aren’t enough Columbian Tetras to form a group.

While not as well-known in the aquarium trade, these fish are quite beautiful. They have larger heads and a beautiful iridescent body. The silver scales shimmer in the right lighting conditions, creating pops of green, blue, and purple.

The fins of the fish are semi-transparent and red. The dorsal fin is pretty tall, though these fish keep the angled to the back most of the time. The anal fin is big, too. It’s wide and extends from the pectoral fins to the caudal fin.

• Size: 2.5 inches
• Difficulty: Beginner
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

27. Panda Tetra

Panda Tetras are appropriately named for the color markings on their tail. Most of the body is silver. Tinges of yellow, blue, and green may appear based on the lighting conditions.

The base of the tail has a large black spot. It’s accompanied by two smaller white spots on the upper and lower corner of the tail. This unique color pattern resembles a panda’s face, which is why they’re named Panda Tetras!

You can see a similar black and white color combination on the anal and pectoral fins as well. Though, they are not as iconic as the spots on the tail!

Like many types of tetras, Panda Tetras need a sizable group to stay healthy. When they’re not in a shoaling group, the individual fish can become stressed. They may start to lash out and nip the fins of their tank mates!

• Size: 1.3 inches
• Difficulty: Beginner-Intermediate
• Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons

28. Bucktooth Tetra

Throw everything you know about tetras out the window! The Bucktooth Tetra is a species that’s vastly different from others in the tetra family. It has a similar overall shape and appearance. But, it’s behavior is not very tetra-like.

These fish are known for being quite aggressive. In the wild, they are predatory fish. In addition to eating insects and small fish, they will consume fish scales.

In captivity, you have to be wary about bullying. These aren’t a species that you can keep in a community tank. Generally, they belong in a tank with only other Bucktooth Tetras.

The Bucktooth Tetra is an interesting fish to look at. It has a semi-transparent body. The upper half is covered in silver-gray color. You might also see pops of yellow or green depending on the lighting.

The fish is easy to identify thanks to two large black spots. One spot is located on the base of the tail while the other is in the middle of the body just behind the pectoral fins.

• Size: 5 inches
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons

29. X-Ray Tetra

If you’re looking for a hardy species with some interesting looks, consider the X-Ray Tetra. These fish have an unusual transparent body. You can see fine details through its skin. This includes its skeleton and organs!

The X-Ray Tetra is not purely transparent. The dorsal and anal fins have stripes of black, white, and yellow. Meanwhile, the tail fin is soft pink. This combination of physical features creates an interesting addition to any tank.

Originally, the X-Ray Tetra comes from coastal rivers in South America. Those rivers vary quite a bit when it comes to water quality. Thus, the X-Ray Tetra is highly adaptable.

It can tolerate a wide range of parameters in captivity and isn’t super sensitive to fluctuations. As long as you stay within acceptable ranges, the fish will have no problem staying healthy.

• Size: 2 inches
• Difficulty: Beginner
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

30. Flag Tetra

The Flag Tetra is a rare member of the tetra family. It’s almost exclusively found in small streams throughout the Amazon area. The distribution of this fish is large. But, the species isn’t as prevalent as some other types of tetras.

Flag Tetras do best in tanks that are decorated with plants and driftwood. They prefer sandy substrate and low light as well.

As for food, provide plenty of variety. These fish can do fine on a diet of dry flakes or pellets. But, their coloration can improve dramatically with a varied diet of bloodworms, daphnia, and other live foods.

These fish have an interesting look. Many say that they look like the flag of Belgium! This is because they have lateral stripes of black, red, and yellow.

The lines are thin and stretch across the entire body starting at the gill plate. The eys of the fish are red while the fins are transparent.

• Size: 1.5 inches
• Difficulty: Beginner-Intermediate
• Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons

31. Head And Tail Light Tetra

Endemic to blackwater rivers and streams in South America, the Head and Tail Light Tetra makes an interesting addition to community aquariums. While not the flashiest of the tetra species, these fish do have some quirky physical features.

They get their name from two copper-colored spots on the body. One spot is on the base of the tail while the other is next to the gill plate. The spots reflect light very well, giving them the appearance of headlights!

The dots are usually coupled with black spots. Many believe that this pattern is a form of mimicry that looks like eyes.

For the most part, Head and Tail Light Tetras are easy to care for. They do best in natural setups and large communities. As a schooling fish, they require at least five other companions to feel safe.

• Size: 2 inches
• Difficulty: Beginner
• Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons

Time To Pick!

Now that you know the main types of tetra you can keep in your home aquarium, it’s time to pick your favorites!

Don’t forget, many different species and varieties on our list can be kept with one another. That means you have the option of choosing a few.

Over time we’ll create care guides for each of the types of tetras on this list. In the meantime, feel free to ask us questions directly about species we haven’t covered yet!

Alison Yang

Alison has been interested in fish and aquariums for over five years. When she’s not writing about fish you can find her hiking, swimming, and doing yoga.

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