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Jellybean Tetra
Ladigesia roloffi
Also known as Sierra Leone Dwarf Characin, Roloff's Tetra
Animalia›Chordata›Characiformes›Alestidae
The Jellybean Tetra is a small, colorful freshwater fish native to West Africa, known for its vibrant red and blue coloration that resembles a jellybean candy. These peaceful schooling fish are ideal for planted community aquariums and add dynamic movement and color to any setup. They are relatively hardy and suitable for beginner to intermediate aquarists.
Where it's from
Native to the Bagru, Pampana and Waanje river basins
Sierra Leone
At a glance
- Size
- 1.2 in
- 3 cm
- Min tank
- 10 gal
- 38 L
- Group
- 6+
- Temp
- 75–82°F
- 24–28°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.0
- GH
- 71–143 ppm
- 4–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Middle
- Lifespan
- 3-5 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Care
Diet
Feed small high-quality flake foods, micro pellets, and live or frozen foods such as daphnia and brine shrimp. Jellybean Tetras have small mouths and require appropriately sized food particles. Feed once or twice daily in small amounts that can be consumed within 2-3 minutes.
Behavior
Jellybean Tetras are active schooling fish that should 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 darting between plants and décor. They are curious and energetic, creating an engaging display in planted tanks.
Breeding
Breeding Jellybean Tetras in captivity is moderately difficult and requires soft, acidic water (pH 5.5-6.5) and dense vegetation or spawning mops. Condition the breeding pair with live foods for 1-2 weeks before spawning. Remove adults after spawning as they may eat eggs and fry; fry are very small and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially.
Tank mates
See all 6Similar size and peaceful temperament; excellent schooling companions
Comparable size and behavior; creates vibrant mixed-species schools
Peaceful schooling fish with similar water parameter requirements
Peaceful and non-aggressive; occupies different water zones
Peaceful algae eater that does not compete for food or space
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Common diseases 4Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis), Fin Rot, Neon Tetra Disease, Bacterial Infection
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 medication; treat for 7-10 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, remove decaying plants, use antibiotic medication if severe; ensure proper tank maintenance
Neon Tetra Disease
Loss of coloration, curved spine, lethargy, separation from school
No cure available; isolate affected fish to prevent spread; maintain excellent water quality and remove deceased fish promptly
Bacterial Infection
Cloudy eyes, open sores, torn fins, loss of appetite, behavioral changes
Perform 50% water changes daily, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication, maintain optimal water parameters; improve tank hygiene
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.
The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: Tedesco et al. 2017 (CC0).
At a glance
- Size
- 1.2 in3 cm
- Min tank
- 10 gal38 L
- Group
- 6+
- Temp
- 75–82°F24–28°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.0
- GH
- 71–143 ppm4–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Middle
- Lifespan
- 3-5 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
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