Lipstick Tetra

Bario cosmops

Lipstick 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 8Beginner – Intermediate

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm)
Aquarium size: 40 US gal (150 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 75–79°F (24–26°C)
pH: 6–7
GH: 2–8 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of at least 8

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 40 US gal (150 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 24–26 °C, pH 6–7, GH 2–8 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Lipstick 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

Offer a varied omnivorous diet with small animal foods and a vegetable component. Give initially shy fish suitable cover.

How to feed aquarium fish — General freshwater community guidance

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 40 US gal (150 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 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: Paraguay, Brazil.

Similar fish profiles

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

Bela Adormecida Tetra Moenkhausia bellasomniosa Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Bandtail Tetra Moenkhausia dichroura Same genus Same family Similar care level Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Blackline Tail Tetra Moenkhausia costae Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Blue-purple Croaking Tetra Mimagoniates barberi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Araguaia Corydoras Hoplisoma araguaiaense Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Black Phantom Tetra Megalamphodus megalopterus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Lipstick Tetra get?

Lipstick Tetra reaches ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm).

What aquarium size does Lipstick Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 40 US gal (150 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.

Is Lipstick Tetra peaceful?

Yes. Lipstick 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 Lipstick Tetra?

Keep it between 24 to 26 °C.

Should Lipstick Tetra be kept alone or in a group?

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