A striking, deep-bodied tetra native to the slow-moving waters of the Amazon basin. Characterized by a reddish-brown tint and a prominent black spot on the dorsal fin, often tipped with white. They are active but peaceful schooling fish. Males will frequently engage in harmless, visually impressive sparring displays to establish hierarchy and impress females.
Bentos Tetra At a Glance
Bentos Tetra Tank Requirements
Will Bentos Tetra fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Bentos Tetra needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Bentos Tetra against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Bentos Tetra Water Parameters
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Bentos Tetra Temperament & Compatibility
Bentos Tetra Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard representation of the Bentos Tetra. Best kept in a school of 6 or more to ensure they feel secure and display their best colors and natural sparring behaviors.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Wild Type
Bentos Tetra Care Guide Summary
The Bentos Tetra, scientifically known as Hyphessobrycon bentosi, belongs to the Characins family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 4.5 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Bentos Tetra requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 23°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 5.5–7.5 and a general hardness of 1–12 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
The Bentos Tetra is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The Bentos Tetra is typically available in one standard form.
Bentos Tetra Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Bentos Tetra, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat and dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress.
Bentos Tetra Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Bentos Tetra is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Bentos Tetra Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Bentos Tetra.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bentos Tetra
How big does Bentos Tetra get?
Bentos Tetra (Hyphessobrycon bentosi) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 4.5 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Bentos Tetra need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Bentos Tetra. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Bentos Tetra need?
Bentos Tetra thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 23–28°C, a pH between 5.5 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 1–12 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Bentos Tetra peaceful or aggressive?
Bentos Tetra is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 2 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Bentos Tetra should be kept together?
Bentos Tetra is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Bentos Tetra have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Bentos Tetra benefits from plants - densely covered and leaf litter/blackwater in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Top Tank Mates for Bentos Tetra
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Bentos Tetra based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Apistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto)
Apistogramma erythrura
Ideal Tank MatesGolden Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus sp. L144
Ideal Tank MatesBanded Gourami
Trichogaster fasciata
Ideal Tank MatesMalaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Melanoides tuberculata
Ideal Tank MatesAssassin Snail
Anentome helena
Ideal Tank MatesBristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus cf. cirrhosus
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Bentos Tetra
These plants pair well with Bentos Tetra based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Beckett's Water Trumpet
Cryptocoryne beckettii
Broad-leaved Crypt
Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia
Carolina Fanwort
Cabomba caroliniana
Fish Similar to Bentos Tetra
Emperor Tetra
Nematobrycon palmeri
A striking, robust schooling fish from Colombia. Unlike many tetras, they do not swim in a tight shoal, preferring to loosely associate while males stake out small territories to display to females. They feature a bold black lateral line and iridescent purple/blue hues.
Congo Tetra
Phenacogrammus interruptus
A stunning, large schooling fish native to the Congo River basin. Known for their iridescent rainbow colors and active swimming behavior. Despite their size, they are notoriously peaceful and can be skittish, requiring ample swimming space, dim lighting or floating plants, and peaceful tank mates. Avoid keeping with fin-nippers.
Colombian Tetra
Hyphessobrycon columbianus
A larger, deep-bodied tetra known for its striking metallic blue body and bright red fins. They are very active and can be somewhat boisterous. They are known to occasionally nip fins if kept in groups that are too small or in tanks that lack adequate swimming space.
Black Phantom Tetra
Hyphessobrycon megalopterus
A peaceful, deep-bodied schooling tetra native to the Guaporé and Paraguay river basins. They are named for the distinct 'phantom' black patch behind their gills. They thrive in heavily planted tanks with subdued lighting (often achieved via floating plants or blackwater conditions). Males engage in spectacular but harmless 'mock battles' where they flare their fins at each other.
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
A stunning schooling fish native to the upper Orinoco and Rio Negro basins in South America. Famous for its brilliant iridescent blue line and a vivid red stripe that extends the full length of its body (distinguishing it from the Neon Tetra). They are strictly schooling fish that thrive in warm, acidic blackwater environments.
Black Neon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
A peaceful, active schooling fish native to the Paraguay basin. Known for its striking contrast of a dark black lateral stripe underneath a glowing iridescent white/green-gold stripe. Excellent for community aquariums, particularly in planted setups or blackwater biotope tanks with subdued lighting.