12 Smallest Tetras for Aquariums

As an aquarium enthusiast, one of the many joys in owning a fish tank is adding new fish to the community. Tetras, a family of small fish native to the rivers of South America, Africa, and Central America, are popular among hobbyists for their vibrant colors and dynamic behavior.

In this article, I’ll introduce you to the smallest tetras for aquariums, perfect for adding a splash of color and life to your fish tank. Join me as we dive into the world of these tiny, mesmerizing creatures.

Ember Tetra

Ember Tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae) is a small, peaceful, and vibrantly colored fish species native to the Araguaia Basin in Brazil. They’re perfect for adding life and color to your aquarium while maintaining a calm and harmonious environment.

• Temperature: Peaceful
• Diet: Omnivorous
• Tank Size: 10 gallons (37.9 liters) minimum
• Care Level: Easy
• Lifespan: 2 – 3 years
• Temperature: 73 – 84°F (23 – 29°C)
• Adult Size: 0.8 in (2 cm)

With their fiery orange-red hue, Ember Tetras are easy to care for and make great additions to beginner aquariums or community tanks with other similarly sized, peaceful fish.

Neon Tetra

Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) is a highly popular species among aquarium enthusiasts, primarily for its dazzling display of iridescent blue and red stripes. Native to the Amazon River Basin, Neon Tetras will illuminate your aquarium with their beautiful colors.

• Temperature: Peaceful
• Diet: Omnivorous
• Tank Size: 10 gallons (37.9 liters) minimum
• Care Level: Easy
• Lifespan: 5 – 8 years
• Temperature: 70 – 81°F (21 – 27°C)
• Adult Size: 1.2 in (3 cm)

Best kept in a school of at least six individuals, Neon Tetras exude a mesmerizing, iridescent glow and are well-suited to community tanks with other non-aggressive, small aquatic species.

Cardinal Tetra

Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) is another eye-catching species for aquarium hobbyists, sporting a vibrant mix of iridescent blue and vivid red stripes. Hailing from the Orinoco River system and the upper Negro River basin, these small tetras are truly captivating.

• Temperature: Peaceful
• Diet: Omnivorous
• Tank Size: 10 gallons (37.9 liters) minimum
• Care Level: Moderate
• Lifespan: 4 – 5 years
• Temperature: 73 – 81°F (23 – 27°C)
• Adult Size: 1.6 in (4 cm)

Ideal for community tanks, Cardinal Tetras should be kept in a group of at least six individuals to showcase their stunning coloration and exhibit their natural, harmonious behavior.

Black Neon Tetra

Black Neon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi) offers a striking contrast to the more colorful tetra species, enhancing your aquarium’s visual appeal with its jet black stripe against a silver-gray body.

• Temperature: Peaceful
• Diet: Omnivorous
• Tank Size: 15 gallons (56.8 liters) minimum
• Care Level: Easy
• Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
• Temperature: 68 – 82°F (20 – 28°C)
• Adult Size: 1.5 in (3.8 cm)

Originating from the Paraguay watershed, Black Neon Tetras attract attention with their unique coloration. These hardy fish thrive in a community tank with other friendly, small species and can adapt to various water conditions with ease.

Emperor Tetra

Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri) is an elegant choice for your aquarium, boasting a unique combination of iridescent blue, green, and purple scales, as well as filamentous fins.

• Temperature: Peaceful
• Diet: Omnivorous
• Tank Size: 20 gallons (75.7 liters) minimum
• Care Level: Easy
• Lifespan: 3 – 6 years
• Temperature: 73 – 82°F (23 – 28°C)
• Adult Size: 1.8 in (4.5 cm)

Originally from the Colombian Atrato River basin, Emperor Tetras are known for their vibrant coloration and impressive fin extensions. They make a perfect addition to community tanks with other non-aggressive species, especially when kept in a shoal of six or more individuals.

Penguin Tetra

The elegant Penguin Tetra (Thayeria boehlkei), named for its distinct swimming posture that resembles a penguin, adds charm and beauty to any aquarium with its silver body and black-striped tail.

• Temperature: Peaceful
• Diet: Omnivorous
• Tank Size: 15 gallons (56.8 liters) minimum
• Care Level: Easy
• Lifespan: 5 years
• Temperature: 73 – 81°F (23 – 27°C)
• Adult Size: 1.6 in (4 cm)

Natives of the Amazon River Basin, Penguin Tetras thrive in a community tank environment. They’re best suited for larger schools of six or more to enjoy their shimmering silver hue and graceful movements, making a perfect companion for other peaceful, small fish species.

Glowlight Tetra

Glowlight Tetra (Hemigrammus erythrozonus), as its name suggests, illuminates your aquarium, thanks to an iridescent, red-orange stripe that runs through its silvery body.

• Temperature: Peaceful
• Diet: Omnivorous
• Tank Size: 10 gallons (37.9 liters) minimum
• Care Level: Easy
• Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
• Temperature: 74 – 82°F (23 – 28°C)
• Adult Size: 1.6 in (4 cm)

These enchanting species, originating from the Essequibo River Basin in Guyana, complement any community tank with their bright display and peaceful temperament. Ensure optimal conditions by maintaining a mildly acidic environment, with plenty of plants and hiding spots for them to explore.

Lemon Tetra

Sporting a mesmerizing, translucent yellow hue combined with unique black markings on their fins, Lemon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) is sure to brighten your aquarium.

• Temperature: Peaceful
• Diet: Omnivorous
• Tank Size: 20 gallons (75.7 liters) minimum
• Care Level: Easy
• Lifespan: 4 – 8 years
• Temperature: 72 – 79°F (22 – 26°C)
• Adult Size: 1.6 in (4 cm)

Lemon Tetras hail from the Tapajos River in Brazil and thrive in a community tank setting. To make the most of their vivid colors, house them in a group of at least six among other peaceful fish species, providing ample swimming space and hiding spots.

Silvertip Tetra

Silvertip Tetra (Hasemania nana) is a charming, small tetra species loved for its distinct silvery tips on its fins, creating a captivating display against its golden-yellow body.

• Temperature: Peaceful
• Diet: Omnivorous
• Tank Size: 10 gallons (37.9 liters) minimum
• Care Level: Easy
• Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
• Temperature: 72 – 79°F (22 – 26°C)
• Adult Size: 1.4 in (3.5 cm)

Native to the waterways of Brazil, Silvertip Tetras make excellent additions to peaceful community tanks. To bring out their best colors and behavior, house these tetras in a group of at least six and provide plenty of plants and hiding spots in the aquarium.

Panda Tetra

Panda Tetra (Aphyocharax paraguayensis), with its distinctive body coloration resembling the black and white colors of a panda, adds a unique touch to any aquarium.

• Temperature: Peaceful
• Diet: Omnivorous
• Tank Size: 10 gallons (37.9 liters) minimum
• Care Level: Easy
• Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
• Temperature: 72 – 79°F (22 – 26°C)
• Adult Size: 1.5 in (3.8 cm)

Originating from the Paraguay River Basin, Panda Tetras prefer brackish water environments and a well-planted tank, making them a fitting addition to a community aquarium. A group of six or more individuals showcases their attractive color pattern and allows them to exhibit their natural schooling behavior.

Bloodfin Tetra

Bloodfin Tetra (Aphyocharax anisitsi) enhances the beauty of any aquarium with its striking appearance, featuring a silver body and vivid red fins that resemble streaks of blood.

• Temperature: Peaceful
• Diet: Omnivorous
• Tank Size: 20 gallons (75.7 liters) minimum
• Care Level: Easy
• Lifespan: 5 – 7 years
• Temperature: 64 – 82°F (18 – 28°C)
• Adult Size: 2 in (5 cm)

Indigenous to the rivers of South America, Bloodfin Tetras are both hardy and adaptable, making them an excellent choice for novice aquarists. To witness their vibrant colors and harmonious schooling behavior, keep a group of six or more individuals in a planted community tank alongside other peaceful species.

Black Phantom Tetra

The intriguing Black Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus) captivates aquarists with its elegant contrast of a shimmering silver body and deep black markings.

• Temperature: Peaceful
• Diet: Omnivorous
• Tank Size: 10 gallons (37.9 liters) minimum
• Care Level: Easy
• Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
• Temperature: 72 – 82°F (22 – 28°C)
• Adult Size: 1.4 in (3.5 cm)

Native to the Amazon River Basin, Black Phantom Tetras thrive in community tanks and are best showcased in a group of at least six, creating an enchanting display among other peaceful, small, and similarly colored fish species. These tetras appreciate a well-planted tank with ample hiding spots.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect tetra species for your aquarium is an exciting and rewarding process, as these small and vibrant inhabitants create a truly mesmerizing visual experience. From the ever-popular Neon Tetra to the enchanting Lemon Tetra, each species brings something special to a peaceful community tank.

No matter your choice, remember to provide optimal tank conditions and enjoy the captivating world of these fascinating, smallest tetras for aquariums.