Featherfin Tetra

Hemigrammus unilineatus

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

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerKeep in a loose group of 6+Beginner – Intermediate

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

Need help with Featherfin Tetra?

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2.1" (≤ 5.3 cm)
Aquarium size: 18 US gal (70 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 73–82°F (23–28°C)
pH: 5.5–7.5
GH: 1–20 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 6+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 18 US gal (70 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 23–28 °C, pH 5.5–7.5, GH 1–20 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

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

Offer small flakes/granules and small live or frozen invertebrates; avoid large, boisterous feeding competitors.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 18 US gal (70 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.

Important notes

Slow to compete with boisterous or much larger tankmates; keep a peaceful conspecific shoal and ensure access to food.

Similar fish profiles

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

Black-belt Tetra Hemigrammus kuroobi Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Apricot Tetra Dectobrycon armeniacus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 2.6" (≤ 6.6 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Black Arrow Royal Tetra Inpaichthys luizae Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Black Heart Tetra Hyphessobrycon copelandi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Black Line Tetra Hyphessobrycon scholzei Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°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)

FAQ

How large does Featherfin Tetra get?

Featherfin Tetra reaches ≤ 2.1" (≤ 5.3 cm).

What aquarium size does Featherfin Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 18 US gal (70 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.

Is Featherfin Tetra peaceful?

Yes. Featherfin 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 Featherfin Tetra?

Keep it between 23 to 28 °C.

Should Featherfin Tetra be kept alone or in a group?

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