Adonis Tetra

Lepidarchus adonis

Adonis Tetra is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer. Keep in a school of at least 8.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerKeep in a school of at least 8Intermediate

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

Need help with Adonis Tetra?

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm)
Aquarium size: 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 19.7" (≥ 50 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
pH: 5.8–6.5
GH: 4–10 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of at least 8

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 19.7" (≥ 50 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–26 °C, pH 5.8–6.5, GH 4–10 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Adonis Tetra is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

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.

Feeding

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

Use very small foods suited to the mouth (fine live/frozen micropfoods and micropellets); avoid competition from larger or boisterous fish.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 19.7" (≥ 50 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a school of at least 8.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Ghana Sierra Leone.

Similar fish profiles

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

African Copper Ribbon Tetra Rhabdalestes septentrionalis Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.7" (≤ 6.9 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) African Red Eyed Tetra Arnoldichthys spilopterus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) African Spottail Tetra Brachypetersius altus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.6" (≤ 6.5 cm) 75–79°F (24–26°C) Barred Pencilfish Nannostomus espei Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) African Moon Tetra Bathyaethiops caudomaculatus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 75–77°F (24–25°C) Blue Diamond Tetra Alestopetersius smykalai Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 68–82°F (20–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Adonis Tetra get?

Adonis Tetra reaches ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm).

What aquarium size does Adonis Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 19.7" (≥ 50 cm) minimum length.

Is Adonis Tetra peaceful?

Yes. Adonis 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 Adonis Tetra?

Keep it between 22 to 26 °C.

Should Adonis Tetra be kept alone or in a group?

Adonis Tetra: Keep in a school of at least 8.