Tetra: everything you need to know about keeping and food
The Rosy Tetra, also known as the Rosy Barb, is a representative of the Characin family. Rosy Tetras are social and peaceful fish, making them suitable for beginners in the field of aquarium keeping.
In the following, we will explain what is important when keeping Rosy Tetras and what you need to consider regarding the nutrition of these lively aquarium inhabitants.
Rosy Tetra Profile
- Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon rosaceus
- Origin: Guyana and Suriname
- Size: 3.5 - 4 cm (1.4 - 1.6 inches)
- Lifespan: 9 years
- Minimum Aquarium Size: 60 cm (24 inches) in length
- Recommended Water Temperature: 23 - 27 °C (73 - 81 °F)
- Diet: Omnivorous, primarily carnivorous
Appearance of Rosy Tetras
The body of the Rosy Tetra is moderately tall with flattened sides. Their fins are large, featuring an elongated dorsal fin that grows even longer with age. The anal fin extends to the base of their tail fin. Adult Rosy Tetras reach a size of approximately 3.5 to 4 centimeters (1.4 - 1.6 inches).
The base color of their scales is pink, and their fins are partly orange-red. Their dorsal fin has a black spot and several white tips.
Lifespan of Rosy Tetras
Rosy Tetras can reach an age of up to nine years, although in reality, these small fish often live for a shorter duration. Good housing conditions and appropriate feeding contribute significantly to the long lifespan of Rosy Tetras.
Origin of Rosy Tetras
In the wild, Rosy Tetras inhabit the rivers of Guyana and Suriname in South America. They prefer moderately flowing waters with temperatures ranging from 23 to 27 °C (73 - 81 °F) and a pH level between 5.5 and 8.5.
Rosy Tetra Care
Rosy Tetras are remarkably adaptable and can thrive in various conditions. Therefore, their care is relatively easy, making them an excellent choice for aquarists with limited experience.
Rosy Tetras do not necessarily require a significantly large aquarium. A tank with a length of 60 centimeters (24 inches) is sufficient, but it doesn't mean the small fish wouldn't appreciate a slightly larger aquarium.
The water temperature should be maintained between 23 and 27 °C (73 - 81 °F). Rosy Tetras are relatively tolerant of pH and water hardness variations. However, they prefer slightly acidic to neutral, moderately hard water.
Setting up an Aquarium for Rosy Tetras
The aquarium for Rosy Tetras should have a dark substrate and provide a dimly lit environment. When choosing plants, ensure that there is enough space for the fish to swim. Place the plants along the sides and in the rear of the tank.
Floating plants can also be utilized to create a sense of security and enhance the well-being of the fish.
Companions for Rosy Tetras
Rosy Tetras are social schooling fish and should not be kept alone. It is recommended to maintain a group of at least six to ten individuals.
In general, Rosy Tetras coexist well with other fish species. Suitable tankmates include species like Dwarf Cichlids or Catfish.
Breeding Rosy Tetras
For breeding Rosy Tetras, a breeding tank with a water depth of 30 centimeters (12 inches) and a capacity of approximately 80 liters (21 gallons) is recommended. The tank should have dense vegetation and soft water with a pH of around 7.5.
The breeding tank can be populated with a single pair or multiple individuals. With proper feeding, spawning usually occurs within a short time. Since Rosy Tetras are egg predators, the parent fish should be removed from the tank after spawning.
After one to two days, the fish larvae hatch. After an additional five days, they start swimming freely. Initially, they can be fed with very fine flake food, which can later be replaced with brine shrimp nauplii.
Breeding Rosy Tetras can be challenging, and success may vary.
Rosy Tetra Diseases
Like other aquarium fish, Rosy Tetras can become ill. They are susceptible to diseases common among other tetra species.
Some diseases that can affect Rosy Tetras include:
- Mouth or fin rot
- Fungal infections
- Velvet disease
- Fish tuberculosis
A balanced diet, stress prevention, and proper aquarium maintenance can significantly reduce the susceptibility to diseases and ensure a healthy fish population.
Rosy Tetra Feeding
Rosy Tetras are omnivorous. In their natural habitat, they primarily feed on insects and worms. Therefore, the diet of captive individuals should mainly consist of animal-based food.
The easiest way to provide for their nutritional needs is through high-quality dry or flake food, occasionally supplemented with live food such as fruit flies or mosquito larvae.
Aquaris Fish Food for Rosy Tetras
A balanced and nutritionally appropriate diet is crucial for the healthy growth of Rosy Tetras. We recommend using Aquaris ornamental fish food for feeding.
With high-quality ingredients and carefully formulated recipes, our fish food provides excellent digestibility and supplies all the essential nutrients your Rosy Tetras need. Moreover, its good digestibility helps prevent excessive water pollution.
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