Mexican Tetra

Astyanax mexicanus

Mexican Tetra is a peaceful middle swimmer. Keep in a school of 10+.

PeacefulMiddle swimmerKeep in a school of 10+Beginner – Intermediate

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

Quick facts

Adult size
≤ 12 cm (≤ 4.7 in)
Aquarium size
75 L or larger / ≥ 90 cm (≥ 35.4 in) minimum length
Care level
Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament
Peaceful
Swimming zone
Middle swimmer
Temperature
20–25 °C
pH
6.5–8
GH
5–30 dGH
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
up to 5 years
Group behavior
Keep in a school of 10+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 75 L or larger / ≥ 90 cm (≥ 35.4 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 20–25 °C, pH 6.5–8, GH 5–30 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Mexican Tetra is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Keep in a school of 10+.

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 10+.

Feeding

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

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Mexico, United States.

Before adding this fish

  • Plan for an aquarium of 75 L or larger / ≥ 90 cm (≥ 35.4 in) minimum length.
  • Make room for its social group.
  • Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
  • Keep in a school of 10+.
  • Offer a varied diet that matches this species.

Similar fish profiles

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

Apricot Tetra Dectobrycon armeniacus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 6 cm (≤ 2.4 in) 24–28 °C Arowana Tetra Gnathocharax steindachneri Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 5 cm (≤ 2 in) 22–26 °C Black Arrow Royal Tetra Inpaichthys luizae Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 5 cm (≤ 2 in) 22–26 °C Black Heart Tetra Hyphessobrycon copelandi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 5 cm (≤ 2 in) 24–28 °C Black Line Tetra Hyphessobrycon scholzei Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 5 cm (≤ 2 in) 22–27 °C Black Neon Tetra Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 4 cm (≤ 1.6 in) 20–26 °C

FAQ

How large does Mexican Tetra get?

Mexican Tetra reaches ≤ 12 cm (≤ 4.7 in).

What aquarium size does Mexican Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 75 L or larger / ≥ 90 cm (≥ 35.4 in) minimum length.

Is Mexican Tetra peaceful?

Yes. Mexican Tetra is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Mexican Tetra?

Keep it between 20 to 25 °C.

Should Mexican Tetra be kept alone or in a group?

Mexican Tetra: Keep in a school of 10+.

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