The Fishkeeper Friend

Five different characin breeds for beginners

Haven’t we all seen those Neon Tetra fish for sale at the pet store? Neon Tetras belong to a group of fish called characids. This group of fish, commonly called tetras, originate mostly from South America. They are shoaling fish that mainly eat insects and their larvae in the wild but will settle for anything from fish flakes to freeze-dried bloodworms in the aquarium. This breed of fish can be distinguished by a small fin along their back towards the tail area, called the adipose fin. The only other fish with this fin are catfish in the aquarium hobby, but game fish such as trout and salmon. The fin acts as a stabilizer during swimming.

So, which tetras are the best choice? With over 150 different breeds to choose from, it seems pretty hard to pick just one for a tank. That’s why this list is here to help. Here’s the Fishkeeper’s top five characids for beginners!

5. Black Neon Tetra

The excellently contrasting black and white stripes along the body of the Black Neon Tetra makes this fish stand out in the crowd of tetras. It is extremely hardy when it comes to keeping this breed of tetra in an aquarium. These peaceful fish appreciate a heavily planted tank.

PH: 5 – 7.5

Size/Tank size: This tetra will only get up to 1.5 inches in length, but it will still require a tank size at least 15 gallons. 

Water Temperature: Anywhere from 68°F to 82°F.

Disposition: Friendly and peaceful, make sure this fish is kept in a shoal of six, at a minimum.

4. Black Phantom Tetra 

The first glance at this creamy-silver characid will probably show its pronounced visual similarities to the tiger barb. In terms of temperament, however, the Black Phantom is less prone to fin-nipping than a barb, though they may occasionally go after longer-finned and slower fish’s fins. It appreciates a well planted tank with lots of hiding spots. 

PH: 6.0 – 7.5

Size/Tank size: An adult Black Phantom tetra’s size can be anywhere from 1.4 – 1.75 inches. Tanks should generally be a minimum of 10 gallons for a group of fish; ideally larger. 

Water Temperature: 72 – 82 °F

Disposition: A very playful and well-tempered fish, the Black Phantom makes a great addition to any tank, especially ones with other peaceful fish. Make sure to keep these tetras in a group of at least 10. Smaller groups will likely increase the stress and fin-nipping likeliness of these fish. 

3. Neon Tetra 

One of the most popular tetras out there, the Neon Tetra is often a hardy and enjoyable fish to have. Like the Black Neon Tetra, the Neon Tetra prefers to school in a group at least six.

This fish will likely relish an open space to swim in a planted tank.

PH: 6 – 6.8

Size/Tank size: With an adult size of 1.5 inches, the Neon Tetra will likely need a ten-gallon aquarium at minimum for a contented shoal of fish.

Water Temperature: 72-78°F

Disposition: These tetras are generally nice and peaceful to have around. Yes, they are capable of fin nipping, but if they have a big enough school and enough hiding places, Neon Tetras will leave other tankmates alone. As long as they are kept with other calm fish, chances are there’ll be no conflict in your tank.

2. Glass Bloodfin Tetra

The bloodfin, unlike some breeds of characids, enjoys the upper level of a tank, where the water is constantly in motion. Make sure to keep an eye on them though! These characids are likely to try and jump out of your aquarium. Another great trait that makes this fish #2 on the list is its compatibility with other species of fish. Its robust nature is great for beginners in the aquarium hobby. 

PH: 6 – 7

Size/Tank size: Getting up to 2.5 inches in length, a group of bloodfins will need an aquarium of at least 15 gallons for a comfy home.

Water Temperature: 70- 80°F

Disposition: Just like the Neon Tetra, as long as there’s a big enough group for these tetras, they’re not very likely fin-nippers. Steering clear of longer-finned fish and/or more aggressive fish such as Bettas or Angelfish is still likely a good idea, though. Instead, pick tankmates with similarly peaceful depositions to pair with this tetra.

#1 Lemon Tetra

A highly recommended tetra for beginners, the Lemon Tetra’s strong tolerance levels for mistakes make it the star of this article. It will accept most types of fish foods as an omnivorous characid, and therefore makes it a great companion for your first schooling fish.

PH: 6 – 7.5

Size/Tank size: Compared to other characids, this specific breed of tetra is on the larger side, with an adult length of 2.4 inches, and should be kept in a tank of at least 15 gallons. 

Water Temperature: 72 – 82°F

Disposition: I wouldn’t recommend these tetras as good for beginners if they were aggressive, would I? Lemon Tetras are not likely to fin nip at all and won’t go after other fish. As overall great peacekeepers, they make great schooling fish, and, like the other characids on this list, only need a group of at least six.

I hope you fellow fishkeepers can put this information to good use!