Red Base Tetra

Hemigrammus stictus

Red Base Tetra is a peaceful top swimmer. Keep in a loose group of 6+.

PeacefulTop swimmerKeep in a loose group of 6+Beginner – Intermediate

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Need help with Red Base Tetra?

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm)
Aquarium size: 18 US gal (68 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Top swimmer
Temperature: 73–81°F (23–27°C)
pH: 5.5–7
GH: 1–12 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: 18 US gal (68 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 23–27 °C, pH 5.5–7, GH 1–12 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Red Base Tetra is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough surface space for movement and feeding.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 18 US gal (68 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 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: Guyana, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia.

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) Apricot Tetra Dectobrycon armeniacus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 2.6" (≤ 6.6 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Black Heart Tetra Hyphessobrycon copelandi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Black Neon Tetra Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 68–82°F (20–28°C) Blackline Tail Tetra Moenkhausia costae Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°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)

FAQ

How large does Red Base Tetra get?

Red Base Tetra reaches ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm).

What aquarium size does Red Base Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 18 US gal (68 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.

Is Red Base Tetra peaceful?

Yes. Red Base 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 Red Base Tetra?

Keep it between 23 to 27 °C.

Should Red Base Tetra be kept alone or in a group?

Red Base Tetra: Keep in a loose group of 6+.