Discover 10 of the Most Popular Types of Tetra Fish

Tetras are one of the most popular and diverse types of freshwater aquarium fish. With more than 150 unique types of tetra fish of varying colors, shapes, and sizes, they make a great addition to any aquarium setup, whether you’re a total beginner to the hobby or a seasoned expert.

While it would be impossible to cover every single species in this list, here are 10 great types that look incredible and are fairly easy to care for as pet fish. Some of the following tetras are well-known, such as the common neon tetra, while others are less common yet just as incredible.

1. Neon Tetra

The beautiful neon tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) starts off our list of the most popular types of tetras. With its vibrant red, blue, silver, and orange coloring, it’s easy to see why both beginners and seasoned aquarium keepers adore this fish. What makes this exotic-looking fish such a favorite, in addition to its stunning appearance, is its easy care requirements and small size.

Neon tetras can thrive in tanks as small as 15 gallons, since they only grow to around 1.5 to 2 inches long. They are peaceful and do well alongside other fish. This includes members of its own species, as well as other small, non-territorial species, such as guppies, mollies, platies, and others.

If you plan on bringing home a few neon tetras, you should plan on keeping them in a tank with fairly warm water from 72°F to 76°F and a pH level between 6.0 to 7.0. They can live for up to 5 years in optimal conditions.

2. Rainbow Tetra

The rainbow tetra (Nematobrycon lacortei) is another visually stunning fish, which makes it a popular choice amongst freshwater aquarium keepers of all experience levels. Their vibrant shades of blue, green, silver, and orange make them a joy to observe.

While they can live alongside a variety of other small fish, rainbow tetras should be kept away from fish with long fins. This is because they can be somewhat aggressive at times and will nip at other small, long-finned fish. Other than this caveat, this species is mostly peaceful.

Rainbow tetras should be housed in warm, freshwater tanks with water between 75°F and 82°F. They generally prefer water with a pH level between 5.5 and 7.0. They typically live between 3 and 5 years in captivity.

3. Bloodfin Tetra

It’s easy to see where the bloodfin tetra (Aphyocharax anisitsi) gets its name. Its body is mostly silver, but its dorsal, anal, and tail fins are a striking blood red. These fish are one of the larger tetra species, but they are still fairly small at only 2 to 3 inches maximum.

Like many other tetras, the bloodfin can easily thrive in tanks as small as 10 gallons. However, bigger is always better, as they are shy schooling fish who enjoy living alongside other members of their species. They can also be housed alongside plecos, danios, small corydoras, and others.

The bloodfin tetra fares best in warm water that ranges from 72°F to 78°F with a pH level between 6.0 to 7.5. They are very hardy and enjoy a bit of plant cover in which to seek shelter. Bloodfin tetras have a lifespan of about 5 to 8 years.

4. Emperor Tetra

The emperor tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri) is easily recognizable due to its distinct, black horizontal stripe across its silvery, orange-toned body. It is a fairly peaceful fish that prefers to live in groups of at least 5 to 10 members of its own species. However, it can also be housed alongside other small, non-territorial fish like danios, corydoras, and dwarf cichlids, among many others.

Like most other tetras, the emperor tetra is small at only 2 inches long. This means it can thrive in tanks as small as 10 gallons. Emperor tetras typically live for around 5 to 6 years in optimal conditions.

Ideally, emperor tetras should be housed in warm water with temperatures between 73°F to 80°F with a pH level from 6.5 to 7.5. They are slow-moving and hardy, which makes them great for beginner aquarium hobbyists.

5. Buenos Aires Tetra

The next type of tetra fish on this list, the Buenos Aires tetra (Hyphessobrycon anisitsi), is a popular species due to its vibrant greenish-silver body and neon orange fins. It is small, yet hardy and gets along well with various other tetras, as well as other small, peaceful fish. Compatible species include gouramis, danios, and barbs.

Buenos Aires tetras grow to between 2 to 3 inches, which is on the larger end for tetra species. They can live for 3 to 5 years in captivity, provided you meet their fairly simple care requirements.

These unique fish should be housed in relatively warm water with temperatures between 64°F to 82°F and a pH level between 5.8 to 8.5. This wide range of suitable temperatures and pH levels makes Buenos Aires tetras very easy to maintain; however, maintaining a stable environment within these parameters is crucial.

6. Lemon Tetra

Like some of the other species on this list, it’s easy to see where the lemon tetra (Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) gets its name. With its shockingly bright yellow fins and bright orange eyes, this type of tetra makes a beautiful addition to any freshwater aquarium.

Lemon tetras grow to around 2 to 3 inches long. Despite how fragile they appear, they are very hardy and easy to care for. Lemon tetras are, above all, peaceful and docile. They enjoy living alongside members of their own species, as well as other small, non-aggressive fish. Compatible species include mollies, guppies, danios, and gouramis.

If you plan on keeping a few lemon tetras, keep in mind they prefer warm water temperatures between 72°F to 82°F. Additionally, the pH level of their aquarium should be between 6.0 and 7.5. Lemon tetras typically live between 4 and 8 years.

7. Ember Tetra

Ember tetras (Hyphessobrycon amandae) have a unique appearance due to their bright orange and red coloration and mild translucency. Although they are very small at only around 1 inch long, you’ll easily be able to see these fiery fish from a distance.

This type of tetra is hardy and peaceful, making it ideal for aquarium keepers of any experience level. It enjoys living alongside members of its own species and other small, non-territorial fish. Compatible species include guppies, danios, small gouramis, and tetras like the neon tetra.

In general, ember tetras prefer warm water from 72°F to 82°F with a pH level between 6.0 to 7.0. With proper care, they can live for up to 4 years in captivity, but some individuals may live longer.

8. Congo Tetra

The colorful Congo tetra (Phenacogrammus interruptus) is one of the larger species, at roughly 2.5 to 3.5 inches long. Despite their imposing size, by tetra standards, anyway, they are peaceful and docile. They may not be the best choice for beginners because they do best in specific water conditions that mirror their natural habitat. However, with a bit of experience, it is fairly easy to meet their needs in captivity.

These types of tetra fish are popular among skilled aquarium hobbyists. This is partially due to their neon silver, blue, and orange coloration. Additionally, they should be housed alongside at least 6 to 10 members of their own species. Other compatible species include corydoras, other tetras, mollies, and danios.

Congo tetras require warm water between 72°F and 83°F with a pH level from 6.0 to 7.5. Experts note that stability is the key to keeping your Congo tetras healthy. These fish can live for up to 5 years with excellent care.

9. Black Neon Tetra

Black neon tetras (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi) are similar in appearance to typical neon tetras. However, instead of bright blues and greens, they are mostly silver and black. They also have tiny splashes of orange around their eyes. This type of tetra fish is a popular choice amongst hobbyists due to its small size of only 1.5 to 2 inches and its hardy, docile nature.

Like many other tetras, black neon tetras can thrive in small aquariums of only 15 to 20 gallons. They fare best when kept in groups of at least six. In addition, they do well alongside other small, peaceful species, like other tetras, gouramis, and danios.

Generally, the black neon tetra requires warm water conditions from 75°F to 82°F with a pH level between 5.5 to 7.5. These fish typically have a lifespan of 3 to 5 years in captivity.

10. Ruby Tetra

Finally, we end our list with the striking ruby tetra (Axelrodia riesei). With its bright red color, you’ll easily be able to observe it from a distance, despite its small size. Although it only grows to around 1.5 to 2 inches long, the ruby tetra will be one of the centerpieces of your aquarium if you choose to keep them.

These docile fish are excellent community fish, similar to many other types of tetra fish. However, you’ll need to keep them away from large or aggressive fish, as they can be easily intimidated. Compatible species include other small tetras, corydoras, and dwarf cichlids.

Ideally, you should keep ruby tetras in warm water between 68°F and 82°F with a pH level between 5.0 and 7.0. Ruby tetras generally live between 3 to 5 years in captivity.