Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Live Plant Safe: Yes

General Description: The Ruby Tetra is a stunning little fish that will add a pop of pizazz to the community aquarium. Found in the Rio Orinoco system in Colombia, South America, Ruby tetra prefer minor forested tributaries rather than the main river channels. The Ruby tetra has a vibrant ruby-red body and a clear black dot on the caudal peduncle. Less mature specimens, or ones that are not as comfortable in their environment, could appear more washed out. Ruby tetras are natural shoaling fish, exhibiting best coloration and behavior with at least 8 individuals but more are encouraged; too few of individuals will absolutely result in shyness. An adult Ruby tetra can reach a size of approximately 0.5″ to 0.75″.

Diet Requirements: In the wild Ruby tetra are micropredators. A diet made up of various high quality protein based flake foods, sinking micro pellet foods and bug bites are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, rotifers, and daphnia. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.

Care Requirements: An extremely established minimum 5 to 10 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small group of Ruby tetra. While these tetra are small, a larger aquarium provides a more stable environment. Size up accordingly to accommodate a larger group. Ruby tetras are very intolerable of nitrite or ammonia spikes, and will not endure deteriorating water parameters. Biweekly water changes are needed to keep water parameters favorable (Nitrates < 20 ppm). Given the environments in which they come from, Ruby tetra like gentle water flow, softer water and a more acidic pH. The aquarium should be aquascaped with a fine substrate, driftwood and dense vegetation (artificial or live, though live plants are preferred). Ruby tetra would also benefit from some floating plants to dim the lighting. Ruby tetras are extremely peaceful and rarely conflict with tank mates. Their timid nature and very small adult size, however, may make them not suitable for community aquariums that have overly rambunctious or competitive species. Mix Ruby tetra with other peaceful shoaling tetra and rasbora species to provide them with security. Extra care should be taken acclimating Ruby tetras. Recommended water conditions, 74-82° F, KH 3-12, pH 5.0-7.0

Purchase Size: Medium: 1/2″

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.