Are Colombian Tetras fin nippers?

They can be, but usually only if they are bored, kept in too small a tank, or kept in groups of fewer than six. Maintaining a shoal of 8 to 10 individuals encourages them to interact exclusively with each other and prevents them from bothering their tankmates.

How big do Colombian Tetras get?

They are relatively large for tetras, growing up to 5 to 7 cm (2 to 2.8 inches) in length. They also have a deep, chunky body shape which makes them look even more substantial.

Can I keep Colombian Tetras with Angelfish?

It is possible but requires caution. Because Colombian Tetras are fast and occasionally prone to nipping, they may harass slow-moving, long-finned fish like Angelfish. If attempted, ensure the tank is large and the tetras are in a sizeable school.

Why are my Colombian Tetras losing their colour?

Fading colours usually indicate stress. This can be caused by poor water quality, an inadequate diet, or feeling insecure due to a lack of hiding spaces or a too-small group size. Ensure parameters are stable and offer a varied diet including frozen foods.

What level of the tank do Colombian Tetras swim in?

They are primarily mid-water swimmers. They are very active and will constantly patrol the middle layers of the aquarium, rarely venturing directly to the substrate or hovering strictly at the surface.

FreshwaterTropicalBeginner

Colombian Tetra

Hyphessobrycon columbianus

A deep-bodied, robust tetra showcasing striking silver-blue scales and vivid red fins, perfect for lively community setups.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 28 °C
pH range: 6 – 7.5
Hardness: 2 – 15 dGH
Adult size: 5 – 7 cm
Spacious community tank: 100 litres+
Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
Diet: Omnivore
Water flow: Moderate
Preferred setup: Planted aquarium with open swimming spaces and driftwood

About the Colombian Tetra

The Colombian Tetra (Hyphessobrycon columbianus) is a relatively recent addition to the aquarium hobby, only formally described in 2002. Despite its late introduction, it has rapidly become a favourite due to its magnificent iridescent blue lateral sheen and contrasting blood-red fins. These are robust, deep-bodied fish that bring intense, beautiful activity to the middle layers of the aquarium.

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Is it right for your tank?

Check Colombian Tetra against a habitat you already keep. We compare water type, temperature, pH, adult size, group needs and everything living there.

Where Colombian Tetra comes from

Native range

South America, Acandí River basin

Countries / regions

Colombia

Habitat

Small, slow-moving forest streams and tributaries shaded by dense canopy.

Endemic to a very restricted geographic range in northwestern Colombia.

Similar species

Bleeding Heart Tetra
Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma
Black Widow Tetra
Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
Emperor Tetra
Nematobrycon palmeri

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Bronze Corydoras
Corydoras aeneus
Peaceful bottom-dwellers that occupy a different zone of the tank and completely ignore the tetras.
Great
Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus sp.
Robust and armoured, they mind their own business keeping the tank clean while avoiding any boisterous mid-water activity.
Great
Bleeding Heart Tetra
Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma
Similarly sized and shaped tetras that can comfortably share the swimming space without being intimidated.
Great
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
Colombian Tetras can occasionally nip trailing fins; keeping them with long-finned fish requires a large tank and a sizable tetra school to distract them.
Compatible with caution
Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
Adult Colombian Tetras grow quite large for characins and will likely view small dwarf shrimp as a live food source.
Not recommended
Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta)
Betta splendens
Bettas are slow-moving with elaborate fins, making them prime targets for nipping by these fast, energetic tetras.
Not recommended

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