Overview

A small Amazonian tetra with a blue stripe and a red rear half. Adults reach about 3–4cm. The large sale grade is not its adult housing requirement.

Scientific name: Paracheirodon innesi

Behaviour

Keep at least ten together. A lone fish or small scattered group is less secure. They occupy the middle water and show best with shaded cover.

Tank Size

Our recommended minimum is 60 litres with a 60 × 30cm base for one shoal. Choose 80 litres or more when adding other fish; keep a clear horizontal swimming lane.

These are adult housing recommendations; choose more space when adding tank mates. Allow for space occupied by substrate and décor when comparing aquarium capacities.

Compatibility

Use small peaceful companions suited to cooler tropical water. Avoid adult angelfish and other fish large enough to swallow them; very warm discus conditions are unsuitable long-term.

Diet

Use fine flakes or micro-pellets small enough to swallow. Add daphnia or small brine shrimp; watch that faster fish do not take all the food.

Care

• Temperature: 21–25°C
• pH: 5.5–7.5
• General hardness: 1–12 dGH

Add to an established, cycled aquarium. Keep lighting subdued with floating plants and avoid abrupt changes in water chemistry. Do not raise temperature simply because warmer-water fish are in the same tank.

Add only to a fully cycled aquarium. Keep ammonia and nitrite at 0mg/l. Start with a 25–30% weekly water change using dechlorinated, temperature-matched water and adjust to test results and stocking. Rinse biological filter media in removed aquarium water rather than under the tap.

Live Animals Are Click and Collect Only. You can order online, choose click and collect, and we will hold your order for collection in store.