Water parameters
Overview
The yellow tetra is recognized by its pale yellow, semi-transparent body and the two faint dark vertical bars behind the gill cover. It is not a showy species, but as a large school in front of green plants it creates a pleasant yellow tone. Because it comes from southeastern Brazil, it adapts to cooler water than many tropical tetras and is quite hardy.
Tank Setup
- At least 60 liters for a school of 8–12.
- 20–25°C; pH 6–7.5, soft to moderately hard water.
- Planted edges and a dark substrate; open swimming space in the middle.
- 25% water change weekly.
Diet
Omnivorous. Flakes and small granules should be the staple; vary the diet with frozen brine shrimp, daphnia and bloodworms.
Behavior and Compatibility
A peaceful and active schooling fish. It does not harm other species; it can be kept together with species that need cool water.
Good companions: flame tetras, bloodfin tetras, White Cloud Mountain minnows, danios, corydoras, small livebearers.
Avoid: species that need warm water such as discus and cardinal tetras, large predators, aggressive cichlids.
A short profile for this species
The Yellow 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
Emerald Dwarf Rasbora
Porthole Catfish
Keyhole Cichlid
Cryptocoryne Parva
Guppy
European Bitterling
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