Bloodfin Tetra

Aphyocharax anisitsi

Characteristics:

Tank Mates

Cardina and Neocaridina shrimp, Tetras, Rasboras, Danios, Hatchetfish, Mollies, Dwarf Gourami, Angelfish, Guppies, Loaches, Otocinclus, dwarf shrimp and snails

Notes

Bloodfin tetras can be both subtle and vibrant.  Their silver bodies and red highlights make them great community fish.  General rule is 2 gallons per fish. Provide a minimum of 10 gallons, but aim for 20 to provide extra room to swim.  Avoid aggressive or territorial species or large fish with big mouths such as cichlids.

Glossolepis incisus

Characteristics:

Tank Mates

 Cherry Barbs, Tetras, Rasboras, Danios, Dwarf Gouramis, Hatchetfish, Mollies, Guppies, Plecos, Dwarf Corydoras, Loaches, Otocinclus and even Dwarf Shrimp.

Notes

Also known as New Guinea Rainbowfish, Red Rainbowfish are larger than the Boesemani and require hard water parameters.  They do well in a community with many nano fish including cherry barbs.  Minimize plant and decoration density and aim for 48" long tank to give them ample swimming space.

Melanotaenia boesemani

Characteristics:

Tank Mates

 Cherry Barbs, Tetras, Rasboras, Danios, Dwarf Gouramis, Hatchetfish, Mollies, Guppies, Plecos, Dwarf Corydoras, Loaches, Otocinclus and even Dwarf Shrimp.

Notes

Although larger in size, Boesemani Rainbowfish are peaceful middle dwellers with small mouths.  They do well in a community with many nano fish including cherry barbs.  Minimize plant and decoration density and aim for 48" long tank to give them ample swimming space.

Danio margaritatus

Characteristics:

Tank Mates

Tetras, Rasboras, Danios, Hatchetfish, Mollies, Dwarf Gourami, Angelfish, Guppies, Loaches, Otocinclus, dwarf shrimp and snails

Notes

Celestial Pearl Danios, or CPD for short, are relatively new in the fishkeeping world.  They were discovered in the early 2000’s and were initially called Galaxy Rasboras or Fireworks Rasbora.  They’re super popular for their trout-like spotted bodies and bright orange fins.  For a fish that gets only about 3/4” in size, their distinct features really pop out in a community tank.  A bonus is that they can tolerate a wider range of water parameters making them easy to breed.

Puntius titteya

Tank Mates

Tetras, Rasboras, Danios, Hatchetfish, Platies, Loaches, Otocinclus and snails.  Avoid fish with long fins like bettas and guppies.

Notes

Cherry Barbs are actually peaceful compare to other barb species.  They grow up to 2" in size and are great tank mates with general nano community fish.

Nematobrycon palmeri var. amphiloxus black

Characteristics:

Tank Mates

Tetras, Rasboras, Danios, Hatchetfish, Mollies, Dwarf Gourami, Angelfish, Guppies, Loaches, Otcinclus, dwarf shrimp and snails

Care

Black Emperor Tetras are relatively hardy fish. Keep in large groups to minimize male aggression.  They’re able to reach 2” in size, males having blue eyes and females green.  General rule is 2 gallons per fish. 10 Gallon tank at a minimum, but push for 20 or more for healthy and happy fish.  Avoid aggressive or territorial species or large fish with big mouths.