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Freshwater fishPurple Tetra
Purple Tetra
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The purple tetra is not bred and must be caught in Colombia. These bright, peaceful schooling fish are slender and unique, featuring a purple reflective stripe on a light silver body. These fish should be kept in a school of six or more. Since these are wild-caught, size will vary, but they grow quickly.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Hyphessobrycon metae |
| Origin | Meta River (Orinoco basin), Colombia |
| Care Level | Easy to moderate |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Adult Size | Up to 1¼" |
| Lifespan | 3–5 years |
| Diet | Omnivore (tiny foods) |
| Water Temperature | 72–80°F |
| pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Group Size | Does best in a group |
| Shipping Size | Approx. ¾" |
Care Guide
Tank setup: These small tetras do best in a planted tank with soft, slightly acidic water, a dark substrate, driftwood, floating plants and gentle filtration. A larger school makes them more confident and colorful.
Feeding: Feed small amounts of micro pellets or crushed flake once or twice a day. They also enjoy frozen brine shrimp.
Tankmates: Keep them with other small, peaceful fish like rasboras, small tetras, pencilfish, pygmy corydoras, otocinclus and dwarf shrimp. Avoid large or boisterous fish that could eat or bully them.
Good to know: Small tetras show their best color in a large school in a planted tank with soft lighting.
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