Raccoon Tetra 2cm

Raccoon Tetra

The Raccoon Tetra is a beautiful and lesser-known species in the aquarium hobby that's sure to capture attention in any well-planted tank. Native to the softwater streams and tributaries of South America, these tetras bring a bold, clean contrast of colour with a very distinctive pattern, making them perfect for aquarists looking for something different yet peaceful and community-friendly.

This species gets its name from the unique dark eye-mask marking, reminiscent of a raccoon, set against a shimmering silver to translucent body. A bold black bar runs along the midsection, tapering into a rounded caudal peduncle blotch near the tail. Depending on lighting, mature individuals may also exhibit subtle iridescent hues along the body, especially when kept in soft, tannin-stained water. Males tend to be slimmer and more intensely coloured, while females appear slightly rounder in the belly.

Like most tetras, the Racoon is an egg scatterer and fairly easy to breed. The male will court the female with fluttering fin displays before she releases her eggs among fine plants or spawning mops. Fertilisation occurs quickly, and the adults should be removed to avoid predation. A breeding trio of one male and two females in a separate tank with soft water and fine-leaved plants or spawning mops will usually yield success. The fry are small but manageable to raise with infusoria or powdered fry food.

Tank Recommendations for your Raccoon Tetra

Being a small and relatively easy to care for fish, the Racoon tetra can be kept in smaller aquariums with a minimum being 75 litres. This aquarium size allows for a decent school of these tetras, along with other community fish if required. Racoon tetras would also look equally amazing in large schools of 20 or more in a larger aquarium setting, which really highlights their shoaling behaviour.

A sand or gravel substrate would be fine for these fish, as well as a lot of plant growth, which not only makes them contrast really well but also makes them more comfortable in the aquarium. Having a darker background and lighting that has a wear spectrum will really bring out the best colours in these fish.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The Racoon tetra is an extremely peaceful fish that displays no aggression. They can be kept with a wide range of fish, being top, bottom, and mid-dwelling fish.

Usually Compatible

Glow light tetras, neon tetras, Apistogramma, rams, and a range of dwarf/nano peaceful fish.

Sometimes Compatible

Racoon tetras can be a relatively slow fish, so any fin-nipping species or fish that may outcompete them for food, such as guppies, tiger barbs, or Roseline sharks

Rarely Compatible

Large and aggressive species such as rainbow sharks, Raphael catfish, and larger-mouthed community fish, which may pester or prey on the tetras.

Feeding your Raccoon Tetra

Raccoon tetras are very easy fish to feed. They will take a wide range of tetra fish foods like pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. Just like any fish, though, they should be fed a varied diet with a mix of different foods. The ideal diet would be a good quality micro slow sinking pellet or crushed flake, supplemented with frozen bloodworms or black worm,s or even live foods like baby brine shrimp or micro worms.