A small, highly active, and strikingly marked characin native to the Paraguay River basin. Known as the Panda or Dawn Tetra, it features a metallic silver body with distinctive black and white markings on its tail and anal fins. While beautiful and hardy, they are notorious fin-nippers. They must be kept in larger schools to disperse aggression and should never be housed with slow-moving or long-finned fish (like Bettas or Angelfish).
Panda Tetra At a Glance
Panda Tetra Tank Requirements
Will Panda Tetra fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Panda Tetra needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Panda Tetra against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Panda Tetra Water Parameters
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Panda Tetra Temperament & Compatibility
Panda 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 schools of 6 or more (ideally 10+) to reduce their tendency to nip the fins of other tank mates. Females are generally plumper, while males display stronger markings on their anal fin.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Wild Type, Unsexed
Panda Tetra Care Guide Summary
The Panda Tetra, scientifically known as Aphyocharax paraguayensis, belongs to the Characins family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 4 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the surface and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Panda 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 22°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 Panda Tetra is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The Panda Tetra is typically available in one standard form.
Panda Tetra Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Panda Tetra, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the surface and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise adequate surface area with floating cover to make them feel secure near the waterline and open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. Useful additions include dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress and floating plants to diffuse overhead light and create shaded areas. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Panda Tetra Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Panda 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 and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the surface and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Panda Tetra Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Panda 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 Panda Tetra
How big does Panda Tetra get?
Panda Tetra (Aphyocharax paraguayensis) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 4 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Panda Tetra need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Panda Tetra. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Panda Tetra need?
Panda Tetra thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 22–28°C, a pH between 5.5 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Panda Tetra peaceful or aggressive?
Panda 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 Panda Tetra should be kept together?
Panda 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 Panda Tetra have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Panda Tetra benefits from plants - densely covered and plants - floating in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Panda Tetra need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Panda Tetra is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Top Tank Mates for Panda Tetra
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Panda Tetra based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Mottled Loach
Paracanthocobitis botia
Ideal Tank MatesHillstream Loach
Beaufortia leveretti
Ideal Tank MatesZebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish)
Brachyplatystoma tigrinum
Ideal Tank MatesAngelicus Botia
Botia kubotai
Ideal Tank MatesApistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto)
Apistogramma erythrura
Ideal Tank MatesGolden Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus sp. L144
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Panda Tetra
These plants pair well with Panda 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 Panda Tetra
Penguin Tetra
Thayeria boehlkei
An active schooling characin instantly recognizable by its bold black horizontal stripe that extends down into the lower half of the tail fin, and its unique, oblique (head-up) swimming posture. They are hardy and do well in community tanks, but must be kept in groups to prevent stress and fin-nipping behavior towards tank mates.
Pink Tailed Chalceus
Chalceus macrolepidotus
A large, incredibly active, and fast-swimming characin from South America known for its shimmering silver body and striking pink tail. They are primarily surface dwellers and are notorious jumpers, so a tight-fitting lid is absolutely mandatory. While generally peaceful with larger tankmates, they are predatory and will consume small fish. They must be kept either singly or in a shoal of 6+; small groups often result in severe squabbling.
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Prionobrama filigera
A highly active, schooling characin characterized by its translucent body and striking blood-red anal fin. They are peaceful but exceptionally fast-moving, requiring plenty of open horizontal swimming space in the upper levels of the aquarium. They are known to be skilled jumpers, making a tight-fitting lid mandatory.
Long-Finned African Tetra
Brycinus longipinnis
A robust, active schooling fish native to the fast-flowing rivers and streams of West Africa. They are characterized by their striking silver bodies and large, expressive eyes. Due to their size, speed, and energetic nature, they require a spacious aquarium with strong water flow and plenty of horizontal swimming space.
Panda Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma nijsseni
A striking South American dwarf cichlid native to blackwater habitats in Peru. Famous for the female's bright yellow coloration and distinct 'panda' black blotches. Males are larger with a blue-yellow sheen and a red-edged rounded tail. They require soft, acidic water, leaf litter, and fine sand to sift through.
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.