Dawn Tetra

Aphyocharax paraguayensis

Dawn Tetra is a middle swimmer. Keep in a school of 8+.

Semi-AggressiveMiddle swimmerKeep in a school of 8+Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Need help with Dawn Tetra?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.5 cm)
Aquarium size: 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Swimming zone: Middle swimmer
Temperature: 72–81°F (22–27°C)
pH: 5.5–7.5
GH: 5–15 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of 8+

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–27 °C, pH 5.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Dawn Tetra needs careful companion choice because it can be territorial or semi-aggressive.

Keep in a school of 8+.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding. Keep in a school of 8+.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Dawn Tetra should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
Keep in a school of 8+.
Offer a varied diet that matches this species.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Bloodfin Tetra Aphyocharax anisitsi Same genus Same family Same swimming zone Beginner ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm) 63–81°F (17–27°C) Black-belt Tetra Hemigrammus kuroobi Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Blue Tetra Tyttocharax cochui Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 0.8" (≤ 2 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Apricot Tetra Dectobrycon armeniacus Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Arowana Tetra Gnathocharax steindachneri Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Black Arrow Royal Tetra Inpaichthys luizae Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Dawn Tetra get?

Dawn Tetra reaches ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.5 cm).

What aquarium size does Dawn Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.

Is Dawn Tetra peaceful?

Dawn Tetra needs more careful companion choice because the temperament data points toward boundaries, space, or similar-sized fish.

What temperature is suitable for Dawn Tetra?

Keep it between 22 to 27 °C.

Should Dawn Tetra be kept alone or in a group?

Dawn Tetra: Keep in a school of 8+.