Ruby Tetra

Axelrodia riesei

Ruby Tetra is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer. Keep in a school of 12+.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerKeep in a school of 12+Intermediate

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

Quick facts

Adult size
≤ 2.5 cm (≤ 1 in)
Aquarium size
80 L or larger / ≥ 60 cm (≥ 23.6 in) minimum length
Care level
Intermediate
Temperament
Peaceful
Swimming zone
Middle to top swimmer
Temperature
20–27 °C
pH
4.5–6.5
GH
3–12 dGH
KH
4–12 dKH
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
up to 5 years
Group behavior
Keep in a school of 12+

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 80 L or larger / ≥ 60 cm (≥ 23.6 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 20–27 °C, pH 4.5–6.5, GH 3–12 dGH, KH 4–12 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Ruby Tetra is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Keep in a school of 12+.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding. Keep in a school of 12+.

Feeding

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

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Colombia.

Before adding this fish

  • Plan for an aquarium of 80 L or larger / ≥ 60 cm (≥ 23.6 in) minimum length.
  • Make room for its social group.
  • Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
  • Keep in a school of 12+.
  • 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.

Blueberry Tetra Hyphessobrycon wadai Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.5 cm (≤ 1 in) 20–26 °C Black-belt Tetra Hemigrammus kuroobi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 5 cm (≤ 2 in) 24–28 °C Blue Tetra Tyttocharax cochui Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2 cm (≤ 0.8 in) 23–26 °C 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

FAQ

How large does Ruby Tetra get?

Ruby Tetra reaches ≤ 2.5 cm (≤ 1 in).

What aquarium size does Ruby Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 80 L or larger / ≥ 60 cm (≥ 23.6 in) minimum length.

Is Ruby Tetra peaceful?

Yes. Ruby 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 Ruby Tetra?

Keep it between 20 to 27 °C.

Should Ruby Tetra be kept alone or in a group?

Ruby Tetra: Keep in a school of 12+.

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