Red Base Tetra

Hemigrammus stictus

Red Base Tetra is a peaceful top swimmer. Keep in a school of 10+.

PeacefulTop swimmerKeep in a school of 10+Beginner – Intermediate

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

Quick facts

Adult size
≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.5 cm)
Aquarium size
18 US gal (70 L) or larger
Care level
Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament
Peaceful
Swimming zone
Top swimmer
Temperature
72–79°F (22–26°C)
pH
6–7.5
GH
8–12 dGH
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
up to 5 years
Group behavior
Keep in a school of 10+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 18 US gal (70 L) or larger. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–26 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 8–12 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Red Base Tetra is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Keep in a school of 10+.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough surface space for movement and feeding. Keep in a school of 10+.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Red Base Tetra should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Before adding this fish

  • Plan for an aquarium of 18 US gal (70 L) or larger.
  • Make room for its social group.
  • Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
  • Keep in a school of 10+.
  • Offer a varied diet that matches this species.

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) Arowana Tetra Gnathocharax steindachneri Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Black Heart Tetra Hyphessobrycon copelandi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Black Neon Tetra Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Blackline Tail Tetra Moenkhausia costae Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Bleeding Blue Tetra Hyphessobrycon margitae Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Red Base Tetra get?

Red Base Tetra reaches ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.5 cm).

What aquarium size does Red Base Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 18 US gal (70 L) or larger.

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 22 to 26 °C.

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

Red Base Tetra: Keep in a school of 10+.

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