January Tetra

The January tetra takes its name from Lake Hyanuary near Manaus in Brazil. A thin green-blue line that shimmers in the light runs along the rear half of its semi-transparent, greenish-silver body; at the base of the tail there is a black spot with a golden-copper area above it. Although its colors are plain, it makes a pleasing sight in a large school and is quite hardy.

• At least 60 liters for a school of 8–12.
• 24–27°C, pH 6–7.5, soft to moderately hard water.
• Planted edges, a dark substrate and open swimming space in the middle.
• 25% water change weekly.

Omnivorous. Small granules and flakes should be the staple; supplement with frozen brine shrimp, cyclops and daphnia. Feed 1–2 meals a day, as much as is eaten within a few minutes.

Peaceful and active; it swims as a school in the middle layer. It does not bother other species and leaves adult shrimp alone. It becomes bolder in a large group and retreats among the plants when kept in small numbers.

Good companions: small tetras, rasboras, corydoras, otocinclus, dwarf cichlids, shrimp.

Avoid: large predators and aggressive cichlids.