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Freshwater fishRuby Tetra
Ruby Tetra
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The ruby tetra is a small, bright ruby-red tetra not often seen in the trade. These fish are wild-caught in small streams of Colombia and must be kept in schools of at least six. The ruby tetra needs clean water and will eat flake food. They are great for community tanks, nano tanks and planted aquariums.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Axelrodia riesei |
| Origin | Upper Meta River, Colombia |
| Care Level | Moderate (needs soft, clean water) |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Adult Size | Up to ¾" |
| 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. ¼–½" |
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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