Firehead Tetra

Petitella bleheri

Firehead Tetra is a peaceful middle swimmer. Keep in a loose group of 10+.

PeacefulMiddle swimmerKeep in a loose group of 10+Intermediate

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

Need help with Firehead Tetra?

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm)
Aquarium size: 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle swimmer
Temperature: 73–79°F (23–26°C)
pH: 5.5–7
GH: 2–15 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 10+

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 23–26 °C, pH 5.5–7, GH 2–15 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Firehead Tetra is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

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

Provide small flakes/granules and live/frozen micro-invertebrates; avoid boisterous fish monopolizing food.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a loose group of 10+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Brazil, Colombia, Peru.

Important notes

Highly social active shoal: at least ten conspecifics and a long aquarium (>=90 cm); slow feeding competition with large, boisterous tankmates.

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) 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) Arowana Tetra Gnathocharax steindachneri Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 73–82°F (23–28°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)

FAQ

How large does Firehead Tetra get?

Firehead Tetra reaches ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm).

What aquarium size does Firehead Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.

Is Firehead Tetra peaceful?

Yes. Firehead 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 Firehead Tetra?

Keep it between 23 to 26 °C.

Should Firehead Tetra be kept alone or in a group?

Firehead Tetra: Keep in a loose group of 10+.