Why are tetra fish called tetras?

Why are tetra fish called tetras?

Tetras generally have compressed (sometimes deep), fusiform bodies and are typically identifiable by their fins. This adipose fin represents the fourth unpaired fin on the fish (the four unpaired fins are the caudal fin, dorsal fin, anal fin, and adipose fin), lending to the name tetra, which is Greek for four.

What kind of fish is a tetra?

Tetras are schooling fish from the family Characidae. They are calm, colorful and mostly peaceful, making them ideal for both beginner and advanced hobbyists. Popular beginner tetras include red eye, black skirt, serpae and bloodfins, but neons, black neons, glowlights and lemon tetras can be good choices as well.

How many flame tetras are there?

This size is suitable for holding a school of six to seven tetras. Keep the lighting low for the tank and replace 25% to 50% of the water every other week.

How big do flame tetras get?

about 2.5 cm
The flame tetra reaches about 2.5 cm (1 in) in standard length. The rear half of the body is flame red while the area in front of the dorsal fin is silver crossed by two dark vertical bars. All the fins are red except for the pectoral fins, which are colourless.

What is the most beautiful tetra?

Flame Tetra Also referred to as red tetras, flame tetras are known as some of the most beautiful species by aquarium enthusiasts. Their incredible and vibrant appearance will light up any community tank like no other breed. The scales of the flame tetra are so delicate that its body is almost transparent.

What is the rarest tetra?

Rainbow Tetras
Rainbow Tetras are one of the rarer species of the tetra family.

What does tetra stand for?

Definition of tetra- (Entry 2 of 2) 1 : four : having four : having four parts tetravalent. 2 : containing four atoms or groups (of a specified kind) tetrachloride.

What is the biggest tetra fish?

Diamond Tetra – The diamond tetra is native to Venezuela and it gets its name from the golden reflection bouncing off its scales. These fish grow to 2 ½ inches long or more and they prefer to be kept with 6 or more of their own species.

What tetras are the hardiest?

Bloodfin tetra (Aphyocharax anisitsi) The species is hardy and can adapt to a pretty wide range of water values and temperatures. Bloodfin tetras don’t grow very large, but because they are so active it’s a good idea to go for at least a 20 gallon long tank if you’d like to keep them.

Can you mix tetras?

Different tetra species will form schools and swim together. However, individual tetra will not join a school of another species. Because of this, you need at least six members of each tetra species. But if you have enough tetras to form a sizable school for each species, they’ll all swim together.

Where do flame tetras come from?

The Flame Tetras comes from Brazil, the vicinity of Rio de Janeiro in the Guanabara Bay region, Paraiba do Sul and Guandu River. Von Rio Tetras were formerly thought of as Hyphessobrycon bifasciatus, the Yellow Tetra. They were first exported to the USA and Europe in 1920.

How to take care of a flame tetra?

Flame tetra prefers some covering of plants and more dark gravel. Build a biotope tank to get the best out of this fish. Using river sand with some twisted roots and driftwood for the substrate and decoration would be the best. Flame Tetra also needs space for hiding due to their spooky behavior.

What is the most underrated species of Tetra?

More than 700 species are included in the Tetra fish family. One of the most underrated species is Flame Tetra (Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon flammeus). Flame Tetras are also known as Red Tetra or Rio Tetra, Fire Tetra, Von Rio Tetra. The fish has exceptionally vibrant colors of brown and olive-green, gold, sometimes with the yellowish shin.

What kind of fish can I keep with flame tetra?

Flame tetra is compatible with small sized and calm fish species (for example betta, ember tetra, diamond tetra, guppies, angelfish ). Never keep tetra with large sized fishes ( oscar fish, jaguar cichlid, green terror, convict cichlid, Jack Dempsey fish ). The fish prefers a company of 6 and more species.