Last Updated: May 6, 2023 by Flora Gibbins
Red Line Tetras have a thin, vibrant red stripe running the length of their bodies, complemented by a yellow line underneath and a thinner black line beneath that.
Red Line Tetras are known for their striking appearance and ease of care, making them a popular choice for both newbies and experienced aquarists alike.
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In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Red Line Tetras, exploring their natural habitat, behavior, and care requirements. If you’re interested in Red Line Tetras, this post has got you covered!
Contents
Red Line Tetra Facts and Overview
- Common names: Amapa Tetra, Neon Black Red Stripe Tetra, Red Line Tetra
- Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon amapaensis
- Adult size: Up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in length
- Lifespan: 3 to 5 years
- Colors and markings: Thin red, yellow, and black lines along the body
- Origin: Rio Preto in the Amapá state, Brazil
Origin and Distribution
Red Line Tetras are native to the upper Paraguay River basin in Brazil, specifically a small savanna creek in the drainage of the Rio Preto in the Amapá state. While they are only known from this specific area, their popularity in the aquarium trade has led to their widespread distribution worldwide.
In their natural habitat, Red Line Tetras can be found in shallow, slow-moving waters with dense vegetation, such as small streams and ponds. They like to swim in groups and can be found feeding on small insects and crustaceans.
Appearance
Red Line Tetras are a stunning species, known for their vibrant colors and distinctive markings. As mentioned earlier, they have a thin, vibrant red stripe running the length of their bodies, complemented by a yellow line below and a thinner black line beneath that. Their body is typically silver or translucent, and their fins are also red and black, with a yellow edge on the dorsal fin.
In addition to their striking coloration, Red Line Tetras also have a unique body shape. Red Line Tetras are a relatively small species, growing to be only around 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in length. They have a sleek and curved body, with a relatively large head and a small mouth. Their eyes are a striking black color that really stands out against their bright and colorful markings.
One interesting aspect of Red Line Tetras is that their coloration can vary depending on their mood and environment. For example, their red stripe may appear more subdued if they are stressed or frightened.
Behavior and Temperament
Red Line Tetras are peaceful and social fish that enjoy swimming together in groups. They are active and curious, making them a joy to watch in an aquarium.
Red Line Tetras are social creatures, so it’s important to keep them in groups of at least 6 individuals to ensure that they’re happy and healthy. You’ll then be able to observe their natural behaviors and interactions, which can be fascinating to watch.
These fish have a peaceful temperament and are compatible with many other community fish species. They rarely show aggression towards other fish, but can become timid or stressed if kept in an overly crowded or poorly maintained tank.
Red Line Tetra Tank Mates
Red Line Tetras are peaceful and social fish that are compatible with many other community fish species. They are best kept in groups of at least 6 individuals, and it’s important to choose tank mates that will not be aggressive towards them.
Some good tank mates for Red Line Tetras include other small and peaceful fish such as Rasboras, Corydoras Catfish, and Guppies. Other tetra species such as Neon Tetras, Cardinal Tetras, and Glowlight Tetras are also good companions for Red Line Tetras.
Some good options for invertebrate tank mates include Cherry Shrimp, Ghost Shrimp, Nerite Snails, and Malaysian Trumpet Snails. These species are small and peaceful, and are unlikely to harm the Red Line Tetras.
It’s important to avoid keeping Red Line Tetras with aggressive or territorial fish species such as cichlids or larger predatory fish. These can stress or harm the Red Line Tetras, and they may not thrive in such an environment.
Red Line Tetra Care
So, we’ve established that Red Line Tetras are pretty low-maintenance fish. But what exactly does that mean for you as their caretaker?
In this section, we’ll get into the nitty-gritty of taking care of these little guys. We’ll cover everything from water parameters to feeding, so you’ll be well-equipped to give your Red Line Tetras the best possible care.
Tank Setup
Proper tank setup is crucial to the health and well-being of Red Line Tetras. Red Line Tetras are on the smaller side, so you don’t need a huge tank to keep them happy, but they do have specific requirements that you should meet to make them feel safe and comfortable.
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Tank Size
Red Line Tetras are small fish that do not require a large aquarium. However, they are social and active, so it’s important to provide enough swimming space. A good formula to keep in mind is to have at least 10 gallons (38 liters) of water for a group of 6 individuals.
What to Put In Their Tank
In their natural habitat, Red Line Tetras can be found in shallow, slow-moving waters with dense vegetation. To mimic this environment, it’s recommended to include live plants and driftwood in their aquarium. These will provide hiding spots and create a more natural and comfortable environment for the fish.
Filters
Good filtration is a must for maintaining good water quality in the aquarium. A filter that can handle at least 4 times the volume of the tank per hour is recommended. This will help to remove waste and debris from the water.
Substrate
When it comes to substrate, Red Line Tetras are not too picky. I recommend a fine-grained substrate such as sand or fine gravel, which will prevent debris from accumulating and allow the fish to forage for food more easily.
Water Parameters
Maintaining proper water parameters is crucial to the health and well-being of Red Line Tetras. They are tough little fish, and are able to adapt to different environments without too much trouble. That being said, they do have certain needs when it comes to the water they live in.
Temperature
Red Line Tetras are tropical fish and require a water temperature between 75-82°F (24-28°C) to thrive. It’s important to use a reliable thermometer to monitor the water temperature and make adjustments as needed.
pH
Red Line Tetras prefer slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH between 6.0-7.5. It’s important to monitor the pH regularly, as fluctuations can stress the fish and impact their health.
Hardness
These fish prefer soft to slightly hard water with a hardness between 2-10 dKH. Again, it’s important to monitor the water hardness regularly, as fluctuations can stress the fish and impact their health.
Water Changes
Regular water changes are important for maintaining good water quality and ensuring the health of Red Line Tetras. A 25-30% water change should be done once a week, or more frequently if the aquarium is heavily stocked.
Diet and Feeding
Red Line Tetras are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods, including flake, pellet, frozen, and live foods. It’s important to provide a varied diet to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients.
Flake and Pellet Foods
High-quality flake and pellet foods should form the basis of a Red Line Tetra’s diet. These should be specifically formulated for tropical fish and should contain a variety of nutrients such as protein, fats, and carbohydrates.
Frozen Foods
Frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia are also a great source of nutrition for Red Line Tetras. These can be fed as a supplement to the flake and pellet foods, and will add variety to the diet.
Live Foods
Red Line Tetras will also eat live foods such as small insects and crustaceans. These can be fed as a supplement to the flake and pellet foods and will provide a natural source of nutrition for the fish.
It’s important to feed Red Line Tetras small amounts several times a day, rather than one large feeding. This will help to prevent overfeeding and maintain good water quality in the aquarium.
Common Diseases
Red Line Tetras are relatively hardy fish that are not prone to many diseases. However, they can still be affected by a variety of common fish ailments. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on your Red Line Tetras to make sure they’re healthy and happy. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, act fast to prevent any potential health problems.
Ich
Ich, also known as white spot disease, is a common parasitic infection that affects many species of fish, including Red Line Tetras. Symptoms include small white spots on the body, fins, and gills, and the fish may also display flashing behavior or lethargy. Treatment involves raising the temperature of the aquarium and adding medication as directed.
Fin Rot
Fin rot is a bacterial infection that can affect the fins and tail of Red Line Tetras. Symptoms include frayed or disintegrating fins, and the fish may appear lethargic or lose their appetite. Treatment involves improving water quality and adding medication as directed.
Velvet Disease
Velvet disease is a parasitic infection that can affect the skin of Red Line Tetras. Symptoms include a velvety appearance on the body, rapid breathing, and lethargy. Treatment involves raising the temperature of the aquarium and adding medication as directed.
Swim Bladder Disorder
Swim bladder disorder is a common ailment that can affect many species of fish, including Red Line Tetras. Symptoms include a fish that swims upside down, floats uncontrollably, or has difficulty swimming. Treatment involves improving water quality and feeding the fish a diet that is high in fiber.
Tips for Breeding Red Line Tetras
Breeding Red Line Tetras is relatively easy and can be a rewarding experience for hobbyists. These fish are egg-layers and can be bred in a separate breeding tank.
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Setting up a Breeding Tank
To breed Red Line Tetras, a separate breeding tank should be set up. Equip it with a sponge filter and a heater to maintain a stable temperature of around 78°F (25°C). A substrate of fine gravel or sand and some live plants should also be added to provide hiding spots for the fish.
Breeding Process
Red Line Tetras are group spawners, meaning that they will breed in groups rather than pairs. The females will scatter their eggs among the plants and the males will fertilize them. After breeding, remove the adult fish should be removed from the breeding tank so they don’t eat the eggs.
Raising Fry
The eggs will hatch after 24 to 36 hours, and the fry will be able to swim on their own after a few more days. At this point, they can be fed infusoria, baby brine shrimp, or commercial fry food. It’s important to perform regular water changes and maintain good water quality in the breeding tank to ensure the health and survival of the fry.
Red Line Tetras belong to the Hyphessobrycon genus, which includes many other popular tetra fish species. Some related species to Red Line Tetras include:
Black Neon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi)
The Black Neon Tetra is a popular aquarium fish that is closely related to the Red Line Tetra. It has a similar appearance, with a black body and a neon blue stripe along the side.
Rosy Tetra (Hyphessobrycon rosaceus)
The Rosy Tetra is a peaceful and colorful fish that is closely related to the Red Line Tetra. It has a distinctive bright pink body and a red stripe along its fins, making it a popular and eye-catching addition to many aquariums.
Ember Tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae)
The Glowing Ember Tetra is a small and peaceful fish that is closely related to the Red Line Tetra. It has a bright orange-red body with a small black spot on its dorsal fin, making it a popular and colorful addition to many aquariums.
Black Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus)
The Black Phantom Tetra is a peaceful and hardy fish that is closely related to the Red Line Tetra. It has a distinctive black body with a bright red stripe along its fins, making it a popular and striking addition to many aquariums.
Glowlight Tetra (Hemigrammus erythrozonus)
The Glowlight Tetra is a small and peaceful fish that is closely related to the Red Line Tetra. It has a bright orange-red body with a distinctive neon stripe along its back, making it a popular and colorful addition to many aquariums.
FAQ’s About Red Line Tetras
How big do Red Line Tetras get?
Red Line Tetras typically grow to be around 1.5-2 inches (3.8-5 cm) in length when fully grown.
How long do Red Line Tetras live?
Red Line Tetras can live for 4-5 years with proper care and a healthy environment.
Are Red Line Tetras aggressive?
No, Red Line Tetras are peaceful fish and are not aggressive towards other fish. However, they may nip at the fins of other fish if they are kept in a tank that is too small or with fish that are not compatible.
Can Red Line Tetras jump out of the aquarium?
Yes, Red Line Tetras are known to jump out of the aquarium, especially if they feel stressed or if the water quality is poor. It’s important to have a tight-fitting lid on the aquarium to prevent them from jumping out.
Can Red Line Tetras breed in captivity?
Yes, Red Line Tetras can breed in captivity and are relatively easy to breed. To breed them successfully, you should set up a separate breeding tank and provide the right conditions and food.
Can Red Line Tetras change color?
Yes, Red Line Tetras can change color based on their mood, stress levels, or health. They may appear brighter and more colorful when they are healthy and happy, and may become dull and pale if they are stressed or sick.
Are Red Line Tetras Right for Your Aquarium?
Red Line Tetras are a great choice for hobbyists who are looking for an easy-to-care-for and colorful fish species for their aquarium. These small and peaceful fish have a distinctive appearance and a playful temperament, making them a joy to watch in the aquarium.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different tank setups, decorations, and plants to create the perfect environment for your Red Line Tetras. With some patience, care, and attention, you can create a thriving and beautiful aquarium that showcases the natural beauty of these amazing fish.
