Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Live Plant Safe: Yes
General Description: The Blue Tetra, also known as the Cochus Blue Tetra or Cochu’s Tetra, has a large distribution throughout rivers and streams of Colombia and Brazil in the Amazon Basin. A relatively unfussy tetra, the Blue tetra is streamline in shape with an overall silver-clear body that has blueish hues to it, especially toward the posterior end of the fish where it appears most concentrated. Some individuals could appear more washed out on lighter substrates or in an environment they are not entirely comfortable in. Blue tetras are natural shoaling fish, thriving best with at least 6 individuals but more are encouraged. This tetra are a bit of a gregarious species and with too few individuals can result in them harassing or nipping at other tank mates. An adult Blue tetra can reach a size of approximately 2″.
Diet Requirements: In the wild Blue tetra are omnivores. Offer a diet made up of various high quality vegetable based and protein based flake foods, sinking micro pellet foods and bug bites are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.
Care Requirements: A minimum 30 gallon aquarium is ideal for a group of Blue tetra. This may seem extreme given the size of adult Blue tetra, but this species has been observed to nip tank mates if inadequate swimming space is provided. Blue tetra would do best introduced into a biologically stable aquarium, with 20% water changes done on a biweekly basis at minimum. The aquarium does not need to be aquascaped with anything in particular to keep a shoal of Blue tetra happy, but plants, driftwood and other natural-looking arrangements will bring out the beauty of this tetra. Blue tetra form loose hierarchies, and providing this social structure is important to avoid this tetra being more prone to nip at other tank mates. When space and socialization is provided, Blue tetra are unproblematic and can be rather diverse in their compatability in community and active freshwater aquariums. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 5-12, pH 6.0-8.0.
Purchase Size: Medium: 1-1/4” to 1-3/4”, Large: 1-3/4” to 2”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.