Live fish will be delivered only to selected pincodes in Kolkata and nearby areas. Here’s a complete and clear care profile for the Red Widow Tetra, a beautiful freshwater schooling fish...
Live fish will be delivered only to selected pincodes in Kolkata and nearby areas.
Here’s a complete and clear care profile for the Red Widow Tetra, a beautiful freshwater schooling fish known for its vivid coloration and social behavior:
Category | Details |
---|---|
Common Name | Red Widow Tetra |
Scientific Name | Gymnocorymbus ternetzi (color morph) |
Family | Characidae |
Origin | Amazon Basin, South America (color variant is captive-bred) |
Size | 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8–5 cm) |
Lifespan | 3 to 5 years |
Temperament | Peaceful, slightly nippy if kept alone |
Difficulty | Easy to moderate |
Body Shape: Classic tetra shape—flattened sides and deep body.
Color: Bright red hue (developed via selective breeding), often semi-transparent with solid red pigmentation.
Fins: Can be translucent or slightly red.
Gender Differences:
Females: Slightly larger and plumper.
Males: Slightly slimmer and more colorful.
🔴 Note: This is a variant of the Black Widow Tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi) bred for vibrant red coloration. There are also other color variants like white, blue, and gold.
Parameter | Ideal Range |
---|---|
Temperature | 72–79°F (22–26°C) |
pH | 6.0–7.5 |
Hardness | 5–15 dGH |
Tank Size | Minimum 15 gallons |
Keep a school of at least 6–8 fish to reduce stress and aggression.
Substrate: Dark gravel or sand helps enhance coloration.
Decor: Plants (Java fern, Amazon sword), driftwood, caves.
Lighting: Moderate (too bright can cause stress).
Filtration: Gentle to moderate flow.
Heater: Yes, to maintain tropical temperatures.
Feeding Type: Omnivorous.
Staple Foods:
High-quality flake food
Micro-pellets
Treats:
Frozen/live brine shrimp
Daphnia, bloodworms
Blanched spinach or zucchini (occasional)
Feed small portions 2 times a day. Avoid overfeeding.
Schooling: Strongly prefers to be in groups of 6 or more.
Activity Level: Active mid-level swimmers.
Temperament: Peaceful but may nip fins if isolated.
Tank Mates:
Guppies, mollies, platies
Corydoras, rasboras
Tetras (neon, ember, glowlight)
Shrimp and snails
❌ Avoid long-finned or slow-moving fish (e.g., bettas, angelfish).
Spawning Type: Egg scatterer.
Breeding Tank Setup:
Fine-leaved plants or spawning mops
Soft, slightly acidic water
Gentle filtration and dim lighting
Spawning Behavior:
Happens early morning.
Eggs are laid and fertilized over plants.
Fry Care:
Eggs hatch in 24–36 hours.
Remove adults to prevent egg-eating.
Feed fry infusoria or powdered fry food.
Issue | Cause / Symptom | Prevention / Treatment |
---|---|---|
Ich | White spots on body and fins | Quarantine & treat with medication |
Fin Rot | Frayed fins | Clean water + antibacterial meds |
Bloat | Swollen belly from overfeeding | Feed balanced, high-fiber diet |
Stress | Color loss, hiding, darting behavior | Maintain stable water + proper group size |
Trait | Details |
---|---|
Size | 1.5–2 inches |
Group Size | 6+ (schooling fish) |
Lifespan | 3–5 years |
Diet | Omnivorous |
Ideal Temp | 72–79°F (22–26°C) |
Tank Size | 15+ gallons |
Tank Level | Mid-level swimmer |
Best For | Community aquariums |
Would you like a care chart or tank setup plan for Red Widow Tetras?
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