Shining Tetra 2.5cm

Shining Tetra

The shining tetra has got to be one of the most amazing tetra species available in aquarium keeping this is a fairly new entrance into the Australian hobby and is just a much lesser-known species worldwide. These are incredibly flashy, boisterous, and stunning tetras with a unique mix of contrasting colours and extravagant fin structures. These small fish are fairly easy to take care of and aside from being a great community fish, shining tetras are also a fantastic species to keep in a species-only aquarium. Considering they aren’t a common species in the Australian aquarium trade makes them a great collectors species as well.

Shining tetras do look like a mix between Apistogramma and a tetra species, their fins, patterning and colours are very cichlid-like whilst also maintaining the tetra body shape. The base colour of the shining tetra is black, this is darkest through the underbelly with a greyer shade through the back. From the gill plate to the tail they also have a pair of red and yellow stripes which is incredibly contrasting. The fins on these tetras are unique as they are quite large with an array of small black spots and hues of red. To go even further these fish also have quite large heads and what seems to almost be an underbite, this gives them a menacing look but these are peaceful fish. Naturally, these fish come from blackwater streams, thriving among the dense vegetation and tannin-stained waters, making them ideal for aquascapes that emulate these environments. The relaxed and elegant nature of these fish also makes them the perfect complementary species for high-tech planted aquascapes.

Breeding shining tetras tends to be a little more challenging when compared to other tetra species as they are more secretive fish. To get the best success it is best to create a breeding aquarium with dense leaf litter or spawning mops. These are egg-scattering fish where females will scatter eggs through the aquarium and males follow by fertilising. Females tend to be rounder-bodied compared to males, females also have less flamboyant fins. The wild origin of shining tetras is South America.

Tank Recommendations for your Shining Tetra

Being a very small and relatively easy to care for fish the shining tetra can be kept in nano aquariums with the minimum being a 40 litre system. These fish can be kept in a very affordable aquarium setting as well with just a simple sponge filter, low-power lighting, some moss, and simple decor. A sand or gravel substrate would be fine for these tetras as well as a lot of plant growth which not only makes them contrast well but also makes them more comfortable in the aquarium to swim out in the open. Shining tetras are soft water fish meaning they require a low PH. They can be kept in PH as low as 6 and will even look stunning in a black water aquarium setting.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The shining tetra is an extremely peaceful fish that displays no aggression at all. They may be quite shy which is why it is recommended to keep them in relatively large schools. They can also be shy and slow which is why it is better to avoid larger fast-moving fish.

Usually Compatible

Blueberry tetras, emperor tetras, plecos, corydoras, shrimp, bolivian rams, and other small community fish.

Sometimes Compatible

Shining tetras can be a relatively slow fish so any fin-nipping species or fish that may outcompete them for food such as giant danios, tiger barbs, angelfish, or torpedo barbs.

Rarely Compatible

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

Feeding your Shining Tetra

Shining tetras are a very easy fish to feed. They will take a wide range of 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 even live foods like baby brine shrimp.