Raccoon Tetra

The Raccoon Tetra was rarely seen in the aquarium scene until this past year when breeders in Indonesia figured the fish out. We can now get these beautiful rose and gold small tetras on a regular basis. Originally found by Smithsonian ichthyologists Murilo Pastana and William Ohara in the Brazilian Amazonia, they may soon be endangered due to deforestation. Hopefully the natives that make their living from the aquarium trade and some outside forces will have enough pull to protect this species and other species. The scientific name "procyon" is a nod to the Amazon state the fish was discovered in (and that state is named after the star Procyon). The trade calls the fish the Raccoon Tetra due to the raccoonish eye markings.

Quick Facts

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 food 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.