Water parameters
Overview
The rainbow tetra is a close relative of the emperor tetra and comes from the same region. The males' bodies shift between green, purple and reddish tones depending on the light; their eyes are bright red. The tail extension is not as pronounced as in the emperor tetra. Females are more plainly colored with greenish eyes. It is seen in the trade less often than the emperor tetra.
Tank Setup
- At least 60 liters for a group of 6–8.
- 24–27°C, pH 6–7.5, soft to moderately hard water.
- Dense plants, roots and floating plants; areas where males can set up territories.
- Gentle flow and regular weekly water changes.
Diet
Omnivorous. Flakes and granules should be the staple; vary the diet with frozen brine shrimp, bloodworms and daphnia. Live foods bring out the males' colors.
Behavior and Compatibility
Peaceful; males set up small territories among themselves and display, but serious fights are rare. It lives in a loose group; a female-heavy group is recommended. It usually leaves adult shrimp alone.
Good companions: corydoras, otocinclus, pencilfish, rasboras, calm tetras, dwarf cichlids.
Avoid: fin-nipping species, large predators, very active species.
A short profile for this species
The Rainbow Tetra page has the basics, but the sections below have not been written yet. If you keep this species, write a section from your own experience; it will be published under your name after editor approval.
Tank mates
This list is calculated automatically from the species profile and grows as new species are added to the catalog. Try it in the planner for a definite answer.
Usually compatible
Flame Tetra
Blackfin Corydoras
Polystictus Corydoras
Emerald Cory
Porthole Catfish
Keyhole Cichlid
Cupid Cichlid
Geophagus surinamensis
Cryptocoryne Parva
Gold Spot Pleco (L001)
Should not be kept together
Hobbyist notes
Things you won't find in books, learned by trial and error. The most helpful ones are on top.
Change history and contributors
- Page created · October 16, 2026