Family Reference
Tetras
Characidae and related characiforms — neons, cardinals, rummynose, and the small schooling fish that anchor most community aquariums.
The Complete Tetras Guide (Characidae): Schooling & Care
Scientific and practical reference to aquarium tetras: taxonomy, identification, true schooling versus shoaling, blackwater chemistry, disease.
Read the guide →Species & Profiles
All articles in this section
Why Are My Tetras Nipping Fins?
Fin nipping in tetras has two root causes: species selection and shoal size. This guide identifies the confirmed culprits, explains the shoal-size threshold, and gives practical fixes for community tanks.
Cardinal Tetra vs Neon Tetra
Cardinal and neon tetras are routinely confused at the point of sale. They differ in colour pattern, hardiness, water requirements, and origin — this comparison settles which belongs in your tank.
Why Are My Neon Tetras Dying One by One?
Neon tetras dying one by one usually signals Neon Tetra Disease, farm-bred line collapse, or chronic water-chemistry stress. Here is how to tell the difference and what to do.
Lemon Tetra (*Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis*): Care
Field profile of *Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis*: identification, origin, water chemistry, social behaviour, feeding, breeding and common aquarium problems.
Rummynose Tetra (*Hemigrammus* spp.): Schooling Indicator
Field profile of *Hemigrammus rhodostomus* / *Hemigrammus bleheri*: identification, origin, water chemistry, social behaviour, feeding.
Bleeding-Heart Tetra (*Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma*): Care
Field profile of *Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma*: identification, origin, water chemistry, social behaviour, feeding, breeding and common aquarium problems.
Serpae Tetra (*Hyphessobrycon eques*): Nipping Management
Field profile of *Hyphessobrycon eques*: identification, origin, water chemistry, social behaviour, feeding, breeding and common aquarium problems.
Congo Tetra (*Phenacogrammus interruptus*): African Characin Care
Field profile of *Phenacogrammus interruptus*: identification, origin, water chemistry, social behaviour, feeding, breeding and common aquarium problems.
Ember Tetra (*Hyphessobrycon amandae*): Nano Care
Field profile of *Hyphessobrycon amandae*: identification, origin, water chemistry, social behaviour, feeding, breeding and common aquarium problems.
Black Neon Tetra (*Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi*): Care
Field profile of *Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi*: identification, origin, water chemistry, social behaviour, feeding, breeding and common aquarium problems.
Glowlight Tetra (*Hemigrammus erythrozonus*): Care
Field profile of *Hemigrammus erythrozonus*: identification, origin, water chemistry, social behaviour, feeding, breeding and common aquarium problems.
Silver-Tip Tetra (*Hasemania nana*): Lively Shoal Care
Field profile of *Hasemania nana*: identification, origin, water chemistry, social behaviour, feeding, breeding and common aquarium problems.
X-Ray Tetra (*Pristella maxillaris*): Adaptable Care
Field profile of *Pristella maxillaris*: identification, origin, water chemistry, social behaviour, feeding, breeding and common aquarium problems.
Penguin Tetra (*Thayeria boehlkei*): Head-Up Swimming Care
Field profile of *Thayeria boehlkei*: identification, origin, water chemistry, social behaviour, feeding, breeding and common aquarium problems.
Black-Skirt Tetra (*Gymnocorymbus ternetzi*): Community Care
Field profile of *Gymnocorymbus ternetzi*: identification, origin, water chemistry, social behaviour, feeding, breeding and common aquarium problems.
Cardinal Tetra (*Paracheirodon axelrodi*): Blackwater Care
Field profile of *Paracheirodon axelrodi*: identification, origin, water chemistry, social behaviour, feeding, breeding and common aquarium problems.
Neon Tetra (*Paracheirodon innesi*): Care & Disease
Field profile of *Paracheirodon innesi*: identification, origin, water chemistry, social behaviour, feeding, breeding and common aquarium problems.
Diamond Tetra (*Moenkhausia pittieri*): Lake Valencia Care
Field profile of *Moenkhausia pittieri*: identification, origin, water chemistry, social behaviour, feeding, breeding and common aquarium problems.
Bloodfin Tetra (*Aphyocharax anisitsi*): Cooler Community Care
Field profile of *Aphyocharax anisitsi*: identification, origin, water chemistry, social behaviour, feeding, breeding and common aquarium problems.