Schmard Tetra

Hemigrammus schmardae

Schmard Tetra is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer. Keep in a school of at least 6.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerKeep in a school of at least 6Beginner – Intermediate

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

Need help with Schmard Tetra?

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm)
Aquarium size: 15 US gal (57 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 73–81°F (23–27°C)
pH: 6–7.5
GH: 10–20 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of at least 6

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 15 US gal (57 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 6–7.5, GH 10–20 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Schmard 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 15 US gal (57 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a school of at least 6.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Brazil, 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) 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) Arowana Tetra Gnathocharax steindachneri Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 73–82°F (23–28°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) Black Heart Tetra Hyphessobrycon copelandi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Schmard Tetra get?

Schmard Tetra reaches ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm).

What aquarium size does Schmard Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 15 US gal (57 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.

Is Schmard Tetra peaceful?

Yes. Schmard 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 Schmard Tetra?

Keep it between 23 to 27 °C.

Should Schmard Tetra be kept alone or in a group?

Schmard Tetra: Keep in a school of at least 6.