Blue tetra Care Guide

The Blue Tetra, with a length between 4 to 6 cm and a social nature, is an uncommon and vibrant addition to aquariums. While they are mostly peaceful, they exhibit moderately territorial behavior, especially during breeding. Maintaining a healthy school is crucial, requiring at least six individuals.

Tank Setup

Blue Tetras thrive in a well-planted tank that mimics their natural habitat. As surface, mid-tank, and bottom dwellers, they need a diverse environment with ample swimming space. The tank should hold at least 10 liters per fish. Maintain water conditions with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5 and a stable temperature of 24°C to 28°C.

Feeding

Blue Tetras have a diverse diet and should be fed a variety of foods to encourage vibrant coloration and healthy growth. Suitable food options include flakes, pellets, bloodworms, brine shrimp, tubifex worms, frozen shrimp, vegetable matter, algae wafers, color-enhancing food, daphnia, micro worms, freeze-dried foods, and stick-on tablets. This varied diet mimics their natural feeding habits and ensures their nutritional needs are satisfied.

Care and Maintenance

Being moderately hardy, Blue Tetras require consistent care, which is manageable at a low maintenance level. Regularly check water quality and perform partial water changes to maintain optimal tank conditions. Ensure that the aquarium setup is stable with no sudden changes in pH, temperature, or water chemistry.

Breeding

Breeding Blue Tetras is moderately challenging and best suited for experienced aquarists. A dedicated breeding tank is necessary, best set up to replicate natural conditions with a pH level between 5.5 to 7.5 and a temperature range of 24°C to 28°C. Introduce a well-fed pair and monitor for pairing, a sign that they are ready to spawn. Post-spawning, the adults should be removed from the tank to protect the eggs from being eaten. The eggs hatch into fry within 24 to 48 hours.

Care of the Fry

After hatching, fry care involves stable water conditions and an appropriate diet. Start feeding with infusoria and gradually introduce micro worms and crushed flakes as they grow. Maintain cleanliness to prevent disease by careful monitoring of water quality and performing gentle water changes. As the fry mature, transition them to an adult-like diet to promote growth and coloration.

In conclusion, while Blue Tetras present some challenges, especially in breeding, their vibrant appearance and social nature make them an appealing addition to established aquariums. Their care involves understanding their environmental and dietary needs to ensure a thriving aquatic community.