Tetra

Animals Unique | Tetra | The tetra is a small and colorful fish native to the freshwater rivers and streams of South America and Africa. The tetra is one of the most well known and popular freshwater tropical fish kept in tanks and aquariums all around the world.

There are around 150 known species of the tetra fish native to the clearwater streams and slow-moving rivers of both Africa South America. There are more than 100 different species of the tetra in Africa alone and even more in South America. The two groups of fish are classified as the characidaes (the tetra of South America) and the alestiidaes (the tetra of Africa).

Tetras are very commonly found in aquariums around the world and due to the hardiness of the tetra, They are easy fish to keep. The neon tetra is Among the most commonly Bred commercial species of tetra out of all of the tetra species.

The tetra is an omnivorous animal eating a mixture of both plant and animal matter. The tetra primarily feeds on algae and brine shrimp and picks out the larger food particles are That part of the plankton in the water. Tetras also eat small invertebrates Such as worms.

Due to Their small size, tetras are prey to many predators in their watery world. Larger fish, eels, crustaceans and invertebrates all prey on the tiny tetra Often the which is easy to spot due to it's brightly colored body. When a tetra feels it is in in danger, it will try to find something Often to hide in or travel into water That is slightly darker so the tetra That is harder to spot.

Tetras live in schools of tetra many individuals, in the Hundreds Sometimes, in order to help to protect each other and to find food. Tetras kept in tanks should be kept with at least 6 or 7 other tetras. Male tetras growing niche to be smaller in size than the female tetras.

That breed tetras spawn in pairs together for about a year. Female tetras lay an average of 130 eggs usually on a leaf in the water, the which are then fertilised by the male tetra. The baby tetra and are called fry hatch within a couple of days.

Tetra Facts
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Characiformes
Family: Characidae
Genus: Paracheirodon
Common Name: Tetra
Scientific Name: Paracheirodon Axelrodi
Origin: South America
Diet: omnivore
Size: 0.6-3.1cm (0.25-1.25in)
Water Type: Fresh
Optimum pH Level: 5.5-7.5
Life Span: 2-5 years
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Colour: Black, Silver, Red, Blue, White
Skin Type: Scales
Favourite Food: Algae
Habitat: Clearwater streams of South America
Average Clutch Size: 130
Main Prey: Algae, Brine Shrimp, Plankton
Predators: Fish, Eels, crustaceans
Special Features: Small body size and brightly colored markings