Rosy Tetra

Megalamphodus rosaceus

Rosy 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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Ask about this fish’s care needs, possible companions or a problem you’ve noticed.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 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: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
pH: 5.5–7.5
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: 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Choose an aquarium that meets the listed minimum requirements.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 24–28 °C, pH 5.5–7.5, GH 1–12 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Rosy 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.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 16 US gal (60 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: Suriname, Guyana, Brazil.

Important notes

Rosy tetra resembles Megalamphodus bentosi; inspect diagnostic flank and opercular marks before asserting species identity.

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) 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) Blueberry Tetra Hyphessobrycon wadai Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°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 Heart Tetra Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6.1 cm) 70–82°F (21–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Rosy Tetra get?

Rosy Tetra reaches ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm).

What aquarium size does Rosy Tetra need?

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

Is Rosy Tetra peaceful?

Yes. Rosy Tetra is generally peaceful. Choose calm companions that won’t harass it or crowd it out at feeding time.

What temperature is suitable for Rosy Tetra?

Keep it between 24 to 28 °C.

Should Rosy Tetra be kept alone or in a group?

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