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.
Colombian Tetra At a Glance
Colombian Tetra Tank Requirements
Will Colombian Tetra fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Colombian Tetra needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Colombian Tetra against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Colombian Tetra Water Parameters
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Colombian Tetra Temperament & Compatibility
Colombian Tetra Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard form found in the aquarium trade. Must be kept in a group of 6 or more (ideally 8-10+) to disperse their boisterous energy and reduce the likelihood of fin-nipping tank mates.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Wild Type
Colombian Tetra Care Guide Summary
The Colombian Tetra, scientifically known as Hyphessobrycon columbianus, belongs to the Characins family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 7 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level zone of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Colombian Tetra requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 5.5–7.5 and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Colombian Tetra is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The Colombian Tetra is typically available in one standard form.
Colombian Tetra Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Colombian Tetra, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. Useful additions include driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement and dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress.
Colombian Tetra Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Colombian 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. When choosing tankmates, avoid housing with slow-moving or long-finned species that may become targets for fin nipping, shy or slow-feeding tankmates may be outcompeted at feeding time, and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Colombian Tetra Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Colombian Tetra.
30 Gallon Breeder
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
Show 10 more tank sizes
Colombian Tetra Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Colombian Tetra will eat fry, so breeding efforts in the same tank are unlikely to succeed and is an aggressive eater that may prevent timid tankmates from getting enough food, so target feeding or simultaneous feeding at opposite ends of the tank can help.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Colombian Tetra
How big does Colombian Tetra get?
Colombian Tetra (Hyphessobrycon columbianus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 7 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Colombian Tetra need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm are recommended for Colombian Tetra. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Colombian Tetra need?
Colombian Tetra thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 5.5 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Colombian Tetra peaceful or aggressive?
Colombian Tetra is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 4 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Colombian Tetra should be kept together?
Colombian 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 Colombian Tetra have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Colombian Tetra benefits from plants - densely covered and driftwood (digestion/hiding) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Top Tank Mates for Colombian Tetra
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Colombian Tetra based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish)
Brachyplatystoma tigrinum
Ideal Tank MatesCelebes Halfbeak
Nomorhamphus liemi
Ideal Tank MatesAngelicus Botia
Botia kubotai
Ideal Tank MatesApistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto)
Apistogramma erythrura
Ideal Tank MatesGolden Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus sp. L144
Ideal Tank MatesBengal Loach
Botia dario
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Colombian Tetra
These plants pair well with Colombian Tetra based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Baby Tears
Lindernia rotundifolia
Balansae
Cryptocoryne crispatula
Fish Similar to Colombian Tetra
Lemon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis
A peaceful, deep-bodied schooling tetra known for its translucent yellow coloration and striking black and yellow fins. They are robust and active, making them an excellent choice for planted community aquariums. Their colors intensify significantly in a well-established tank with a dark substrate and proper schooling numbers.
Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
A striking, deep-red schooling fish known for its highly active nature. While hardy and beautiful, Serpae Tetras are notorious fin-nippers. This behavior is usually localized within their own pecking order if kept in large enough schools (8+), but they should never be housed with slow-moving or long-finned tank mates like Bettas, Angelfish, or Gouramis.
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.
Bentos Tetra
Hyphessobrycon bentosi
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.
Blue Tetra
Knodus borki
A strikingly beautiful but notoriously boisterous schooling fish. Often misidentified in the trade as Boehlkea fredcochui. Known for their intense iridescent blue coloration, they are incredibly fast, hyperactive swimmers. They are infamous fin-nippers and require a long tank and a large group (8+) to prevent them from terrorizing slower or long-finned tank mates.
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.