How many Rosy Tetras should I keep together?

They are a shoaling species and should be kept in a group of at least six, though ten or more is highly recommended. A larger group reduces stress, prevents shyness, and encourages males to display their best colours.

Why are my Rosy Tetras looking pale?

Rosy Tetras can lose their colour due to stress, poor water quality, or an inappropriate environment. Providing a dark substrate, floating plants to dim the lighting, and adding tannin-rich botanicals will help them feel secure and colour up beautifully.

Do Rosy Tetras nip fins?

Generally, no. Unlike some of their cousins (such as the Serpae Tetra), Rosy Tetras are peaceful. However, if kept in a group of fewer than six, they may become stressed or bored, which can occasionally lead to minor nipping.

What is the difference between Rosy Tetras and Bentos Tetras?

It can be very difficult to tell them apart, but the primary visual difference is that the Bentos Tetra (Hyphessobrycon bentosi) typically has a faint, dark 'humeral spot' just behind its gills, which the Rosy Tetra lacks.

Will Rosy Tetras eat my aquarium plants?

No, they are entirely plant-safe. They are omnivorous micropredators that prefer small insects and crustaceans, and they will completely ignore your live plants.

FreshwaterTropicalBeginner

Rosy Tetra

Hyphessobrycon rosaceus

A striking and peaceful South American characin known for its beautiful salmon-pink colouration and the impressive fin displays of rival males.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 28 °C
pH range: 5.5 – 7.5
Hardness: 1 – 12 dGH
Adult size: 3.5 – 4.5 cm
60cm x 30cm footprint: 60 litres+
Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
Diet: Omnivore
Water flow: moderate
Preferred setup: Heavily planted with driftwood, floating plants, and dried leaf litter.

About the Rosy Tetra

The Rosy Tetra (Hyphessobrycon rosaceus) is a classic and much-loved aquarium fish. Often confused with the closely related Ornate Tetra and Bentos Tetra, this species boasts a deep body and stunning rose-pink hues. Males develop dramatically elongated dorsal and anal fins, creating an elegant silhouette as they swim through the mid-levels of the aquarium. They are an excellent choice for a peaceful community setup, adding vibrant flashes of colour against green foliage.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Rosy Tetra comes from

Native range

Essequibo River basin, Corantijn River basin, Suriname River basin

Countries / regions

Guyana, Suriname, Brazil

Habitat

Sluggish forest tributaries, flooded forests, and small streams with tea-coloured water and dense leaf litter.

Their exact range in the lower Amazon is frequently debated due to historical confusion with the Bentos Tetra.

Similar species

Bentos Tetra
Hyphessobrycon bentosi
Bleeding Heart Tetra
Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma
Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques

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 swimming zone, complementing the mid-dwelling tetras.
Great
Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma cacatuoides
Shares similar water requirements and typically ignores mid-water schooling fish.
Great
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
While Rosy Tetras are deep-bodied and less likely to be eaten than neon tetras, large adult angelfish may still view smaller individuals as prey.
Compatible with caution
Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
Notorious fin-nippers that will relentlessly harass the Rosy Tetra and shred its flowing fins.
Not recommended
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Large predatory cichlids will easily swallow adult Rosy Tetras.
Not recommended

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