Tetra - Rosy (Hyphessobrycon rosaceus)

Size: ½ inches (4 cm)

Experience Level: Intermediate

Water Temperature: 75.0 to 82.0 F

pH: 5.5 – 7.5

The cute little tetra has a painted dark salmon-colored body with red highlights and bright white tips on the fins. It is also known as the Rosy Fin Tetra, White-Finned Rosy Tetra, and Rosey Tetra, as well. This little fish wants many companions and it will get along well with other relatively small, friendly tankmates and a school with a minimum size with 6 tetras is recommended. This group may consist of either their own kind, or some of their close relatives, such as the Ornate Tetra and the Bleeding Heart Tetra. In fact, the Ornate Tetra is so similar that at one time the Rosy Tetra was regarded as its subspecies. 

If they are absolutely happy, Rosy Tetras won't display their beautiful colours. Be careful not to keep them with fish that harass them, and be sure to have a friendly atmosphere for them. They'll enjoy an aquarium heavily planted but also with plenty of open room for swimming. While they prefer warm, acidic water, many specimens of tank-bred species have otherwise spent their lives and can adapt. 

They are found in South America particularly in Paraguay's Rio Guopore area and in Guyana, Suriname, and Brazil's lower Amazon River Basin. The species is present in many river systems including the Essequibo River, Corantijn River and Suriname River. 

The waters they visit are typically rust stained, and very acidic. In these river systems, they live in schools and feed mostly on small invertebrates. These fish are now commercially mass-produced and most specimens are captive-bred available in the hobby.