The Rosy Fin Tetra, commonly known as the Rosy Tetra or White Fin Rosy Tetra, is a peaceful South American schooling fish admired for its soft pink coloration, delicate white-tipped fins, and graceful swimming behavior.

Overview

• Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon rosaceus

• Family: Characidae

• Origin: South America, mainly the Amazon basin

• Adult size: 4–5 cm (1.5–2 inches)

• Lifespan: Around 3–5 years

Rosy Fin Tetras are highly popular in:

• planted aquariums

• peaceful community tanks

• blackwater-style aquariums

Appearance

Main characteristics:

• translucent pink to rosy-orange body

• white-tipped dorsal and anal fins

• tall flowing dorsal fin

• laterally compressed body shape

Some specimens may also show:

• faint red highlights

• reflective silver sheen

• subtle black dorsal markings

Males usually display:

• brighter coloration

• longer dorsal fins

• slimmer body shape

Females are generally:

• rounder-bodied

• slightly paler

High-quality specimens usually show:

• soft rosy coloration

• crisp white fin tips

• elegant finnage

• active schooling behavior

Their colors become especially attractive in dim planted aquariums.

Natural habitat

In the wild, Rosy Fin Tetras inhabit:

• calm tributaries

• blackwater streams

• vegetated river edges

• slow-moving forest waters

Natural habitat features:

• soft acidic water

• leaf litter

• submerged roots

• shaded environments

Temperament

Rosy Fin Tetras are:

• peaceful

• social

• gentle

• schooling fish

Recommended:

• keep at least 8–10 individuals

Larger schools help:

• reduce stress

• improve coloration

• encourage natural behavior

They are excellent for peaceful community aquariums.

Aquarium setup

Minimum tank size

• Around 75 liters (20 gallons)

Ideal setup

• planted aquarium

• dark substrate

• driftwood

• subdued lighting

• open swimming space

They thrive in:

• blackwater aquariums

• nature-style planted tanks

• calm soft-water setups

Floating plants help enhance security and coloration.

Water parameters

Recommended conditions:

• Temperature: 23–28°C

• pH: 5.5–7.2

• Soft to moderately soft water

• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0

• Low nitrate levels

Stable clean water is important for:

• coloration

• finnage quality

• overall health

Diet

Rosy Fin Tetras are omnivores.

Common foods:

• quality flakes

• micro pellets

• frozen daphnia

• baby brine shrimp

• cyclops

• small live foods

A varied diet helps maintain:

• rosy coloration

• immune health

• breeding condition

They mainly feed in the mid-water area.

Compatibility

Suitable tankmates:

• rasboras

• peaceful tetras

• corydoras

• pencilfish

• dwarf cichlids

• peaceful gouramis

Avoid:

• aggressive fish

• fin nippers

• large predators

Their flowing fins can attract fin-nipping species.

Breeding

Breeding is possible in soft acidic water.

Breeding behavior:

1. Pair spawning

2. Egg scattering among plants

3. No parental care

Breeding setup:

• dim lighting

• soft acidic water

• fine-leaf plants or spawning mops

Eggs usually hatch within:

• 24–36 hours

Fry foods:

• infusoria

• powdered fry foods

• baby brine shrimp later

Adults may eat eggs and fry.

Common health problems

Fin damage

Possible causes:

• fin nippers

• poor water quality

Stress fading

Can occur due to:

• bright lighting

• small group size

• unstable conditions

Ich

Symptoms:

• white spots

• scratching behavior

Regular maintenance greatly reduces disease risk.

Care difficulty

Rosy Fin Tetras are:

• beginner to intermediate-level fish

Main requirements:

• peaceful environment

• schooling groups

• clean stable water

• planted setup

They are generally hardy once acclimated.

Difference from Serpae Tetra

Compared to Serpae Tetra:

• Rosy Fin Tetras are gentler and less aggressive

• Serpae Tetras usually display deeper red coloration and stronger fin-nipping tendencies

Rosy Tetras are typically better for peaceful community tanks.

Why aquarists value them

Rosy Fin Tetras are admired for:

• soft elegant coloration

• white-tipped flowing fins

• peaceful schooling behavior

• suitability for planted aquariums

A healthy school moving through a dimly lit planted tank creates a calm and graceful freshwater display.