Bandtail Tetra
Moenkhausia dichroura
Bandtail Tetra is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer. Keep in a school of 10+.
Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm)
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swimming zone
- Middle to top swimmer
- Temperature
- 72–79°F (22–26°C)
- pH
- 6–7.5
- GH
- 5–20 dGH
- KH
- 4–8 dKH
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Lifespan
- up to 5 years
- Group behavior
- Keep in a school of 10+
Care requirements
Care level: Intermediate.
Lifespan: up to 5 years.
Water parameters
Suitable water: temperature 22–26 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 5–20 dGH, KH 4–8 dKH.
Temperament and compatibility
Bandtail Tetra is peaceful and suits calm community fish.
Keep in a school of 10+.
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 10+.
Feeding
As an omnivore, Bandtail Tetra should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.
Before adding this fish
- 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.
Natural habitat and origin
Origin: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Peru, Venezuela, Uruguay.
Similar fish profiles
Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.
FAQ
How large does Bandtail Tetra get?
Bandtail Tetra reaches ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm).
Is Bandtail Tetra peaceful?
Yes. Bandtail 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 Bandtail Tetra?
Keep it between 22 to 26 °C.
Should Bandtail Tetra be kept alone or in a group?
Bandtail Tetra: Keep in a school of 10+.