Red/Blue Colombian Tetra

1. Physical Characteristics

• Coloration: The Colombian Tetra has a beautiful blue body with a striking red stripe running from its midsection to the base of the tail. Males tend to have more vibrant colors than females, especially during breeding.
• Size: They typically grow to about 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) in length.
• Lifespan: With proper care, Colombian Tetras can live for 5-7 years in captivity.

2. Natural Habitat and Distribution

• Origin: Colombian Tetras are native to the Orinoco River Basin in Colombia and Venezuela. They inhabit slow-moving streams and rivers, where they are often found among dense vegetation.
• Tank Environment: In captivity, they thrive in well-planted aquariums that provide plenty of cover and open swimming spaces.

3. Behavior and Temperament

• Peaceful Schooling Fish: Colombian Tetras are social and should be kept in groups of at least 6-10 individuals. They are active swimmers, frequently seen darting around the tank.
• Social Behavior: Generally peaceful, they can exhibit mild territorial behavior during breeding. They are best kept in community tanks with other peaceful species.

4. Aquarium Care

• Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is recommended for a small school of Colombian Tetras. A larger tank (30 gallons or more) is preferable to provide ample swimming space and stability in water conditions.

  Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C).

  • pH: 6.0-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral water).

  • Water Hardness: 4-12 dGH (soft to moderately hard water).

  • Filtration and Aeration: They prefer well-oxygenated water, so a good filtration system is essential. Gentle water flow is ideal.

• Aquascaping: Provide open swimming areas along with dense planting using soft-leaved plants like Java fern, Amazon sword, and floating plants. Incorporating driftwood and rocks can create hiding spots and enhance the overall environment.

5. Diet

• Omnivorous: Colombian Tetras are omnivores and require a varied diet.

  Diet Options:

  • High-quality flake or pellet food formulated for tropical fish.
  • Live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.
  • Plant-based foods, including spirulina and algae wafers, to ensure balanced nutrition.

  Diet Variation: A diverse diet helps maintain their health and enhances their coloration.

6. Breeding

• Egg-Laying Species: Breeding Colombian Tetras can be straightforward under the right conditions. They are egg scatterers and prefer spawning in soft, well-planted areas.
• Mating Behavior: Males become more colorful during breeding and may display courtship behaviors, including swimming in circles around the female.
• Hatching: Eggs usually hatch in about 24-36 hours. Once the fry are free-swimming, they should be fed infusoria or specialized fry foods until they are large enough to eat baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flakes.

7. Tank Mates

• Compatible Tank Mates: Colombian Tetras are generally peaceful and can be housed with other similarly sized, non-aggressive species.

  Good tank mates include:

  • Other small tetras (such as Neon Tetras or Rummy Nose Tetras).
  • Rasboras, including Harlequin or Scissortail Rasboras.
  • Corydoras catfish, small loaches, or other peaceful community fish.

  Avoid Aggressive Fish: Larger or aggressive species should be avoided, as they may stress the Colombian Tetras or compete for food.

8. Fun Facts

• Color Changing: The colors of Colombian Tetras can intensify or change slightly based on their mood and tank conditions, especially during breeding displays.
• Community Favorites: Due to their vibrant appearance and active nature, Colombian Tetras are popular in community tanks.
• Schooling Behavior: They are known to display schooling behavior, which enhances their visual appeal and makes for an engaging aquarium experience.

9. Importance in Aquariums

• Visual Appeal: Their striking coloration and lively behavior make them an attractive addition to community tanks.

• Beginner-Friendly: Colombian Tetras are relatively easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of setups, making them suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists.

  Key Care Tips:

  • Stable Water Conditions: Regular water changes and good filtration are crucial for their health and overall appearance.
  • Group Size: Keep them in schools of 6-10 or more to encourage natural behaviors and enhance their vibrant coloration.
  • Balanced Diet: A varied diet with both plant and protein-based foods will help them maintain their health and overall appearance