Origin: South America

Temp: 72 - 82

Swimming Zone: Middle

pH: 5 to 6.5 dGH: <30

Feeding: (Omnivore) Eats all standard aquarium foods with gusto

Breeding: Difficult to spawn, requires very soft acidic water, eggs must be kept in total darkness and the fry are very tiny and a challenge to raise

Temperament: Peaceful shoaling fish.

Adult Size: 1 1/2 inches (4 cm)

Comments: One of the most popular aquarium fishes. It almost seems as if they were made for a planted tank, their bright colors are magnificent against the backdrop of green plants. They are excellent schoolers when kept in groups of 6 or more. They are quite a chore to spawn and raise but many experienced aquarists have done it. Tetras are indeed a good choice for beginners to keep; they are hardy, pretty, always active and very interesting.