Royal tetra Care Guide

The Royal Tetra is a striking addition to any freshwater aquarium, offering vibrant coloration and dynamic swimming behavior. To ensure these fish thrive, understanding their care requirements is essential.

Care Process

Royal Tetras are generally considered a moderate care level species due to specific water quality and environmental needs. They require stable water parameters, with a pH level between 6.0 to 7.5. The temperature should be maintained between 23°C to 27°C. Regular water changes and monitoring are crucial to maintaining a healthy environment.

Royal Tetras are social fish and should be kept in schools of at least six individuals to promote natural behavior and reduce stress. They can display semi-aggressive tendencies, so choose tank mates accordingly. Pair them with other peaceful community fish to maintain harmony.

Feeding

Royal Tetras are omnivorous, requiring a varied diet to bring out their best coloration and sustain health. A balanced diet includes high-quality flakes and pellets as staples, supplemented with protein-rich foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. Occasionally, offer frozen or live foods such as tubifex worms and vegetable matter to provide nutritional diversity.

Ensure that portions are appropriate to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to poor water quality. Feeding once or twice daily is typically adequate, ensuring that food is consumed within a few minutes.

Tank Setup

The Royal Tetra thrives in a well-planted aquarium, offering plenty of swimming space and hiding places. The tank should include fine-leaved plants, which mimic their natural habitat and serve as a substrate for breeding. A mix of surface and mid-tank dwelling plants will create an ideal environment for them.

Lighting should be moderate to dim, mimicking their natural habitats and reducing stress. Use a sponge filter to maintain water clarity and quality while ensuring currents are gentle, as Royal Tetras prefer calm waters.

For each Royal Tetra, allocate at least 8 liters of water in the aquarium. A larger tank is preferable to sustain water stability and provide adequate space for their social behavior.

Breeding

Breeding Royal Tetras in captivity, although moderately challenging, is possible with the right setup and dedication. Prepare a breeding tank with a slightly acidic pH, temperatures similar to their usual preference, and ensure it contains fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Use a sponge filter for gentle filtration.

To encourage breeding, condition the adults with a protein-rich diet. Once the male and female exhibit courtship behaviors, they will scatter eggs among the plants, which the male fertilizes. Remove the parents post-spawning to prevent the eggs from being eaten.

The eggs hatch within 24 to 36 hours, becoming free-swimming fry after 3 to 4 days. Keep lighting low during this sensitive stage and feed the fry with infusoria or commercially available liquid fry food. Gradually introduce larger foods as they grow.

Consistently monitor water conditions and perform careful partial water changes to support optimal fry growth. With time and attention, young Royal Tetras will develop their characteristic rich colors and join their number with the school.