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Cross Tetra
Tyttocharax madeirae
📍 South America
The Cross Tetra is a small, peaceful schooling fish native to South America, known for its distinctive cross-shaped marking on its body. This diminutive tetra is ideal for nano and planted aquariums, displaying subtle beauty with its silvery coloration and dark cross pattern. They are hardy and undemanding, making them suitable for beginner aquarists.
Care Guide
Diet
Cross Tetras are omnivorous and require small food particles due to their tiny mouths. Feed high-quality micro pellets, crushed flakes, and occasional live foods such as infusoria or newly hatched brine shrimp. Provide small portions 2-3 times daily, feeding only what they can consume in a few minutes.
Behavior
Cross Tetras are active schooling fish that should always be kept in groups of at least 6 individuals to display natural behavior and reduce stress. They are peaceful and non-aggressive, spending most of their time in the middle water column exploring plants and open areas. They are most active during daylight hours and exhibit playful, darting movements.
Breeding
Breeding Cross Tetras in captivity is moderately difficult and requires a separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Condition the breeding pair with live foods, then introduce them to soft, acidic water (pH 5.5-6.5) with dim lighting. After spawning, remove the parents as they may eat the eggs; fry will hatch in 24-36 hours and become free-swimming within 3-4 days.
Tank Mates
Similar size and peaceful temperament; excellent schooling companions
Comparable size and water parameter requirements; peaceful community fish
Similar nano tetra with matching care requirements and peaceful nature
Small algae eater that shares similar water parameters and peaceful temperament
Provides shelter and natural environment without competing for space
Creates ideal habitat structure for schooling and breeding behavior
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Increase water temperature to 28-30 C (82-86 F), perform daily water changes, use aquarium salt or commercial ich treatment; maintain good water quality
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality through frequent water changes, remove decaying plants, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure proper tank maintenance
Neon Tetra Disease
Loss of coloration, spinal curvature, lethargy, loss of appetite
No cure available; isolate affected fish to prevent spread; maintain pristine water conditions; euthanize severely affected individuals
Bacterial Infection
Cloudy eyes, open sores, torn fins, behavioral changes, loss of appetite
Perform large water changes, use broad-spectrum antibacterial medication, improve water quality; ensure adequate filtration and aeration
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore - small particles including micro pellets, crushed flakes, and live foods
- lifespan
- 3-5 years
- max size
- 2 cm (0.8 in)
- tank size
- 10 gallons minimum
- temperament
- peaceful
Water it likes
- ph
- 5.5-7.0
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 2-8 dGH
- temperature
- 72–79°F (22–26°C)