Rainbow Tetra

Nematobrycon lacortei

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

PeacefulMiddle swimmerKeep in a loose group of 10+Beginner – Intermediate

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

Need help with Rainbow Tetra?

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.6 cm)
Aquarium size: 29 US gal (108 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle swimmer
Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°C)
pH: 5–7.2
GH: 1–10 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 10+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 29 US gal (108 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 20–28 °C, pH 5–7.2, GH 1–10 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

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

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 29 US gal (108 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 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: Colombia.

Similar fish profiles

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

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) Bloodfin Tetra Aphyocharax anisitsi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm) 64–82°F (18–28°C) Blue Purple Emperor Tetra Inpaichthys kerri Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°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 Rainbow Tetra get?

Rainbow Tetra reaches ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.6 cm).

What aquarium size does Rainbow Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 29 US gal (108 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is Rainbow Tetra peaceful?

Yes. Rainbow 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 Rainbow Tetra?

Keep it between 20 to 28 °C.

Should Rainbow Tetra be kept alone or in a group?

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