Tetra-Redtail Penguin

The Red Fire Tetra is a vibrant, small South American freshwater fish prized for its brilliant red tail and active schooling behaviour. Peaceful and hardy, it is perfect for planted community aquariums, where its fiery coloration really stands out against green backgrounds.

🌈 Colour & Appearance

Juveniles:

• Silver to pale grey body

• Fins mostly translucent

• Red tail developing gradually

Adults:

• Bright, fiery red tail and caudal fin

• Silver to metallic body with subtle iridescence

• Active schooling behaviour highlights their colour in groups

📸 Note: Photos may show both juvenile and adult specimens. Juveniles will have less intense red coloration until fully matured.

Adult Size

3–4 cm

Temperament

• Peaceful, ideal for community tanks

• Best kept in groups of 6 or more

• Non-aggressive and compatible with small tetras, rasboras, and Corydoras

Minimum Tank Size

40–60 litres+ for a small school

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 22–28°C

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Soft to moderately hard water

• Stable, clean water preferred

Diet

Omnivore

• High-quality micro flakes or pellets

• Small frozen foods (daphnia, brine shrimp)

• Occasional live foods for colour enhancement

Feed 1–2 times daily in small portions.

Tank Setup

• Planted aquarium with open swimming areas

• Fine substrate

• Moderate filtration and gentle flow

• Floating plants for shade and security

Special Notes

Red Fire Tetras are ideal for hobbyists who want a peaceful, active, and brightly coloured community fish. Their fiery red tail and schooling behaviour make them a visually appealing addition to any small to medium freshwater aquarium.