Ornate Tetra

Megalamphodus bentosi

Ornate Tetra is a peaceful all-zone swimmer. Keep in a loose group of 8+.

PeacefulAll-zone swimmerKeep in a loose group of 8+Intermediate

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Need help with Ornate Tetra?

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.5 cm)
Aquarium size: 21 US gal (81 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: All-zone swimmer
Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°C)
pH: 5–7.5
GH: 1–12 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 8+

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 21 US gal (81 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 20–28 °C, pH 5–7.5, GH 1–12 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Ornate Tetra is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

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

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 21 US gal (81 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a loose group of 8+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Brazil.

Similar fish profiles

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

Bleeding Blue Tetra Hyphessobrycon margitae Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate 1.6–2" (4–5 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Black Heart Tetra Hyphessobrycon copelandi Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Black Line Tetra Hyphessobrycon scholzei Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Black Neon Tetra Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 68–82°F (20–28°C) Blueberry Tetra Hyphessobrycon wadai Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) Bleeding Heart Tetra Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6.1 cm) 70–82°F (21–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Ornate Tetra get?

Ornate Tetra reaches ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.5 cm).

What aquarium size does Ornate Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 21 US gal (81 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.

Is Ornate Tetra peaceful?

Yes. Ornate 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 Ornate Tetra?

Keep it between 20 to 28 °C.

Should Ornate Tetra be kept alone or in a group?

Ornate Tetra: Keep in a loose group of 8+.