Reed Tetra

eed Tetra (Hyphessobrycon elachys)
Please note: The image shown is a sample. Actual fish may vary slightly in appearance.

The Reed Tetra is a small, peaceful species that's perfect for nano tanks and planted community setups. With its slender body and subtle iridescent tones, it may not be the flashiest fish in the tank — but in a well-maintained group, they shine with natural beauty and gentle schooling behaviour.

Originally found in slow-moving streams and marshes in South America, Reed Tetras are a relatively rare find in the hobby. Their calm nature and small size make them an excellent choice for aquarists looking to keep a more refined or naturalistic setup.

These tetras do best in groups of 6 or more and tend to swim in the middle to upper areas of the tank. Their behaviour is peaceful, and they pair well with other small, non-aggressive species — especially other microfish and small invertebrates. Due to their small size, they’re not suitable for tanks with larger or more boisterous fish.

They thrive on a varied diet of high-quality micro pellets, crushed flakes, and frozen or live foods such as baby brine shrimp or daphnia. Keeping their diet balanced helps maintain their natural colours and activity levels.

Why we like this fish:

• Elegant, understated beauty

• Peaceful and perfect for planted tanks

• Ideal for nano or soft water aquariums

• Rare and uncommon in the hobby

• Schooling behaviour adds natural movement

Recommended Tank Parameters:
Temperature: 22° - 28° C
pH: 5.5 - 7.2
KH: 1 - 10 dKH
Minimum tank size: 10–15 litres (for a small group)

Care Guidelines:
Diet: Omnivorous – prefers a mix of micro pellets, frozen, and live foods
Behaviour: Peaceful, schooling species
Origin: South America
Adult size: Up to 2.2 cm
Sold at approx.: 1.5 cm

A peaceful and refined choice for aquarists who love nano fish and natural biotope-style setups. Keep them in groups, and they’ll reward you with fascinating, harmonious behaviour.