Red & Blue Colombian Tetra

Red & Blue Colombian Tetra (Hyphessobrycon columbianus)

Appearance & Behavior

Bring bold color and energetic movement to your freshwater aquarium with Red & Blue Colombian Tetras. Their deep, silvery bodies develop a shimmering blue sheen that contrasts with vivid red fins. A settled group makes a striking display as fish move through open water and display to one another among plants. These robust, social tetras can be boisterous and may chase or nip fins, particularly in small groups or crowded aquariums.

Quick Care Guide

• Care Level: Easy to moderate; careful tankmate selection required

• Temperament: Active and semi-aggressive; may chase and nip fins

• Adult Size: Approximately 2.5–3 inches

• Minimum Aquarium Size: 30 gallons; a 36-inch or longer aquarium recommended for swimming space

• Temperature: 73–80°F

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water, approximately 5–15 dGH

• Diet: Omnivore

• Swimming Area: Middle

• Recommended Quantity: At least 8; preferably 10 or more when aquarium space and stocking allow

Aquarium Setup & Compatibility

Provide planted edges, shaded retreats, and generous open swimming space. Red & Blue Colombian Tetras do best in a fully cycled aquarium with stable water conditions, good oxygenation, and gentle to moderate circulation. Plants and driftwood help break lines of sight and offer places for less dominant fish to retreat. Use a secure lid and avoid abrupt changes in temperature or water chemistry. A larger group and adequate space can help distribute social interactions, but do not guarantee that fin-nipping will stop.

Choose similarly sized, robust, short-finned tankmates with compatible care requirements, such as suitable larger tetras, active rasboras, and appropriately sized Corydoras species. Avoid bettas, fancy guppies, angelfish, and other slow-moving or long-finned fish. Very small or timid fish may be intimidated or outcompeted, and dwarf shrimp may be eaten. Monitor interactions, especially during feeding, and separate fish if persistent chasing or fin damage occurs.

Feeding

Feed Hatchery Diet 1.2 mm, supplemented with Daphnia and Bloodworms. Include a quality omnivore food containing plant ingredients as part of a varied diet. Crush pellets or cut larger bloodworms into smaller pieces as needed for younger fish. Offer small portions across more than one feeding spot to reduce crowding and help less dominant fish get their share.