Reed Tetra

Hyphessobrycon elachys

Reed Tetra is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerBeginner – Intermediate

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

Need help with Reed Tetra?

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 0.8" (≤ 2 cm)
Aquarium size: 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 75–81°F (24–27°C)
pH: 6–7.2
GH: 5–15 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years

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 / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 24–27 °C, pH 6–7.2, GH 5–15 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

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

Offer micro-sized food; avoid large aggressive feeding companions.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina.

Similar fish profiles

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

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) 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) Blue Tetra Tyttocharax cochui Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 0.8" (≤ 2 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Blueberry Tetra Hyphessobrycon wadai Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C)

FAQ

How large does Reed Tetra get?

Reed Tetra reaches ≤ 0.8" (≤ 2 cm).

What aquarium size does Reed Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.

Is Reed Tetra peaceful?

Yes. Reed 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 Reed Tetra?

Keep it between 24 to 27 °C.