Dawn Tetra

Aphyocharax paraguayensis

Dawn Tetra is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer. Keep in a loose group of 6+.

Peaceful with caveats: active and can nip slow/long-finned tankmatesMiddle to top swimmerKeep in a loose group of 6+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: ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm)
Aquarium size: 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful with caveats: active and can nip slow/long-finned tankmates
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 72–81°F (22–27°C)
pH: 5.5–7.5
GH: 1–15 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 6+

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 / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 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 1–15 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

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

Will accept suitable dried, frozen and live foods; supply enough to meet active group needs.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a loose group of 6+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

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 temperament Beginner ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm) 64–82°F (18–28°C) Black Neon Tetra Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 68–82°F (20–28°C) Black Phantom Tetra Megalamphodus megalopterus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Bleeding Blue Tetra Hyphessobrycon margitae Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate 1.6–2" (4–5 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Blue Purple Emperor Tetra Inpaichthys kerri Same family Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) Apricot Tetra Dectobrycon armeniacus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 2.6" (≤ 6.6 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Dawn Tetra get?

Dawn Tetra reaches ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm).

What aquarium size does Dawn Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.

Is Dawn Tetra peaceful?

Yes. Dawn 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 Dawn Tetra?

Keep it between 22 to 27 °C.

Should Dawn Tetra be kept alone or in a group?

Dawn Tetra: Keep in a loose group of 6+.