A beautiful, deep-bodied tetra native to the slow-moving tributaries of the upper Amazon basin. They are distinguished by a striking black wedge-shaped patch near their tail, framed by a shimmering garnet or coppery hue. They are peaceful schooling fish that look their best in mature, dimly lit blackwater aquariums.
Garnet Tetra At a Glance
Garnet Tetra Tank Requirements
Will Garnet Tetra fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Garnet Tetra needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Garnet Tetra against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Garnet Tetra Water Parameters
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Garnet Tetra Temperament & Compatibility
Garnet Tetra Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard wild-type Garnet Tetra. Must be kept in a school of at least 6 (preferably 8-10+) to feel secure. In sparsely decorated or brightly lit tanks, their rich garnet colors will wash out and they will become highly reclusive.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Wild Type
Garnet Tetra Care Guide Summary
The Garnet Tetra, scientifically known as Hemigrammus pulcher, 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 zone of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Garnet 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 27°C, with a pH range of 5–7 and a general hardness of 2–10 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Garnet Tetra is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. The Garnet Tetra is typically available in one standard form.
Garnet Tetra Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Garnet Tetra, a low 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 leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat, dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress, and floating plants to diffuse overhead light and create shaded areas.
Garnet Tetra Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Garnet 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, boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Garnet Tetra Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Garnet 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 Garnet Tetra
How big does Garnet Tetra get?
Garnet Tetra (Hemigrammus pulcher) 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 Garnet Tetra need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Garnet Tetra. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Garnet Tetra need?
Garnet Tetra thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 23–27°C, a pH between 5 and 7, and a general hardness of 2–10 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Garnet Tetra peaceful or aggressive?
Garnet Tetra is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 1 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Garnet Tetra should be kept together?
Garnet 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 Garnet Tetra have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Garnet Tetra benefits from plants - densely covered, plants - floating, 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 Garnet Tetra
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Garnet Tetra based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Purple Zebra Shrimp
Potamalpheops sp.
Ideal Tank MatesMarbled Whiptail
Loricaria simillima
Ideal Tank MatesLoricaria spinulifera
Loricaria spinulifera
Ideal Tank MatesCrying Whiptail
Loricaria sp. "Rio Atabapo"
Ideal Tank MatesLoricaria pumila (Dwarf Whiptail Catfish)
Loricaria pumila
Ideal Tank MatesParnahyba Whiptail Catfish
Loricaria parnahybae
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Garnet Tetra
These plants pair well with Garnet 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
Carolina Mosquito Fern
Azolla caroliniana
Common Duckweed
Lemna minor
Crystalwort
Riccia fluitans
Fish Similar to Garnet Tetra
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.
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.
Diamond Tetra
Moenkhausia pittieri
A stunning, deep-bodied tetra endemic to Lake Valencia in Venezuela. Named for the brilliant, iridescent scales on its flanks that sparkle like diamonds under the right lighting. They are highly active, peaceful schooling fish that thrive in well-planted aquariums. Males develop spectacular, flowing fins as they mature.
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.
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.
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.