Raccoon Tetra

Hyphessobrycon procyon

Raccoon 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

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Need help with Raccoon Tetra?

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm)
Aquarium size: 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 73–81°F (23–27°C)
pH: 6–6.5
GH: 5–15 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: 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 23–27 °C, pH 6–6.5, GH 5–15 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

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

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 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: 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) 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 Raccoon Tetra get?

Raccoon Tetra reaches ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm).

What aquarium size does Raccoon Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.

Is Raccoon Tetra peaceful?

Yes. Raccoon 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 Raccoon Tetra?

Keep it between 23 to 27 °C.

Should Raccoon Tetra be kept alone or in a group?

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